Officials in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh say over 100 people were killed and more were injured. Crowds had gathered in Hathras to celebrate the Hindu god Shiva in the city of Hathras.
Over 100 people were crushed to death in a stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in Mughalghari village in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh in northern India on Tuesday, officials said.
Medical and government officials gave varying death tolls in a fluid situation, with most recent estimates exceeding 100 people and many more in hospital, some with serious injuries. Medical official Umesh Tripathi said the death toll could still rise.
"Many injured have also been admitted," Tripathi said, adding that most of the dead were women. "The primary reason is a stampede during a religious event."
Several hours after the crush, Chaitra V., divisional commissioner of Aligarh city in Uttar Pradesh state, told reporters that "the death toll stands at 116," with at least 18 others injured. The death toll later rose to 121 with at least 28 injured, Indian media reported.
What do we know about the stampede? Crowds had gathered to celebrate the Hindu god Shiva in the city of Hathras, about 140 kilometers (85 miles) south of New Delhi.
"The attendees were exiting the venue when a dust storm blinded their vision, leading to a melee and the subsequent tragic incident," Chaitra V. told the French AFP news agency.
The precise cause of the stampede remains unclear, but media have cited police sources as saying that hot and humid weather may have led to uncomfortable conditions, prompting panic.
"There was wet mud at one place where people may have slipped. Also because of the heat, people may have made their way to the spot where water was kept and that could have caused the incident as well," Chaitra V. said.
Senior police officer Shalabh Mathur said that it appeared "more people had come than permission was asked for."
DW's Adil Bhat said the "event was all crowded and there were narrow exits, which basically led to this tragedy," citing locals.
"They also say that the stampede happened as soon as the event ended, and everyone was in a rush to leave," Bhat added.
"There was a huge crowd of [worshippers] gathered at the spot," one victim told the Hindustan Times in a nearby hospital.
"There was no way out, and everybody fell on each other, and a stampede took place," the victim said. "When I tried to move out, there were motorcycles parked outside, which blocked my way. Many fainted while others died."
State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already ordered an investigation into the incident.
"Instructions have been given to the concerned officials to conduct relief and rescue operations on [a] war footing and to provide proper treatment to the injured," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Officials mourn, offer compensation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the victims, announcing compensation of $2,400 (roughly €2,235) to the next of kin of those who died and $600 to those injured in the "tragic incident."
"My condolences are with those who have lost their loved ones... I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured," Modi wrote on social media.
President Droupadi Murmu said the deaths were "heart-rending" and offered her "deepest condolences."
Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh chief minister who is also a Hindu monk, expressed his condolences to the relatives of those killed, his office said, announcing an investigation into the incident.
"He has directed the district administration officials to immediately take the injured to the hospital... and to speed up the relief work at the spot," the office said.
Deadly accidents are not uncommon in India during large religious gatherings.
This is a welcome development, NOUN graduates should be integrated into NYSC scheme as well.
National open university of Nigeria has been around for long, university of south Africa is also an open and distance learning but highly ranked in Africa.
I don't know why some people belittle NOUN, it's a bad mentality
Individuals seeking to get admitted to the Nigerian Open University of Nigeria and other open distance learning centres are now mandated to register via the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board, The PUNCH gathered on Monday.
The candidates are also expected to register with their unique National Identification Number.
This move, our correspondent learnt, was to checkmate nefarious activities. In an advisory released by JAMB and made available to our correspondent in Abuja, the Board promised to make the registration process as seamless as possible.
The advisory reads, “As part of measures to checkmate the nefarious activities of fraudulent characters, who are scheming to compromise candidates’ records through dubious registration channels and in compliance with its enabling act, JAMB has mandated that all applicants desirous of studying in Nigerian tertiary institutions must provide their NIN while registering for any programme of study in any tertiary institutions in Nigeria irrespective of whether the mode of study is regular and non-regular.
“Consequently, it has now become mandatory for all prospective candidates in the non regular category (NOUN, Distance Learning, Part-time and Sandwich programmes) to create a profile code, before registering with JAMB, by sending their NIN, through their unique phone number to either of the Board’s sort code (55019 or 66019).
Similarly, the advisory noted that all previous candidates in the non-regular programmes, who had not integrated their NIN or unique phone number on the Board’s platform, would have to create a profile using their respective NINs to access any of the services of the Board.
“JAMB, as a responsive organisation, will continue to make the registration process as flexible as possible by making its platform available throughout the year. It is, therefore, expected that candidates, who fall under this category, will apply through JAMB before approaching their preferred institutions to process their admission with their respective JAMB registration numbers. They would also be expected to pay their preferred institution a processing fee as determined by respective institutions.”
The African Action Congress (AAC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to immediately intervene and stop the police brutality against protesters at Yale company in Ibadan.
The protesters, mostly workers of the company, have been demanding better treatment and payment of palliatives from the company.
The party made this known in a statement by its chairman, Kayode Babayomi, on Tuesday, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
AAC condemned the actions of the police and the company, stating that protest is a right and not a privilege.
The party also alleged that the company has been engaging in anti-labor practices, including casualization of workers, non-payment of allowances, and gratuities.
AAC called on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress to intervene and unionize Yale workers to ensure justice and better working conditions.
The party assured the Yale workers that the conscious people of Oyo State are in support of their struggle. The party also urged the police to maintain neutrality and secure the protesters instead of dehumanizing and arresting them.
The AAC has vowed to continue standing by Yale workers and all workers in Nigeria who are facing inhuman treatment from private and public industries. The party demands an end to police brutality and justice for the killed and injured protesters.
The statement read in full: “Governor Seyi Makinde must immediately call the Oyo police to Order to avoid massacre in Oyo State as protesters at Yale company Ibadan hit the street and blockade the company to express their displeasure about the inhuman treatment by the Yale company over the disbursement of palliatives which is said today have been processed through the company by the Federal Government.
“The Yale staff in Oluyole Ibadan were said to have protested and on the orders of the Yale Company Managers, the police shot and directly at 3. As it is, one is confirmed dead, and police were stationed to brutalize and arrest peaceful Yale workers.
“Makinde should call on the oyo police to order as protest is a right not a privilege, the new approach of the oyo police command to protesters is becoming debatable and worrisome that peaceful protesters are not able to converge and express their concern on the state of affairs and private sector matters. It is crystal clear that the Sumai Food Company has been feasting on the sweats and blood of innocent workers through anti-labour practices, anti-unionism, and also in the practice of paying pittances to workers who regularly work overtime. Most workers in the company are even casualized; an illegal and anti-Labour practice that milks workers without allowances and the assurance of gratuities. Sadly, Oyo State government have been silent over these criminal activities. The Nigeria Police Force also station officers armed to the teeth permanently in the company premises.
“Now with the workers highly agitated, the African Action Congress (AAC) calls on Governor Seyi Makinde to halt all actions of the police force and other armed state agencies from attacking the workers who are exercising their constitutional rights. We are no more in the era of colonialism when the Iva Valley Massacre was conducted by a foreign company. The good people of oyo state must not experience such, any act of inhumanity will not acceptable on the workers of Yale company.
“We want the police to secure every Yale protesters not to dehumanize them and arrest them,the protesters are law abiding and they have the right to express themselves,what transpires to violence in protest is how the security operatives handles or manage the situation of things .
“Lastly we want to assure the Yale workers that the conscious people of oyo state are with them In this struggle and Police should maintain neutrality. We call on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress to intervene immediately and seize the moment to unionize Yale, get justice for workers and make sure those who ordered the killing (s) are made to face Labour Laws!
“AAC will continue to stand by Yale workers and all workers of Nigeria passing through the inhumanity of anti-Labour practices of private and even the few public industries. Victory is guaranteed!”
badoh: From the report, Yale refused to release the palliative provided by the federal govt? Is the Federal govt distributing palliatives to private companies to ease the burden of their workers? Can someone explain this. In addition, what happened to the use of tear-gas instead of live bullets by the police? Why are they so eager to release bullets to unharmed protesters?
This is really heartbreaking, how can foreign company be doing this to nigerians in their own country.
From my investigation, black people in high positions in that company are the ones sabotaging everything and cheating workers, from HRM down to those engineers
Today, Monday July 1st, 2024 in Ibadan, staff of Yale staged a violent protest against the company’s alleged refusal to distribute palliatives that were reportedly provided by the federal government some time ago. The unrest highlighted the growing frustration and desperation among the employees.
One of the protesters, speaking anonymously recounted the events leading up to the protest. According to the protester, the company had failed to deliver the promised palliatives, prompting the employees to take to the streets in anger.
In an attempt to quell the protest, Yale management called for support from the police and civil defense forces. The presence of law enforcement escalated tensions, leading to a violent confrontation. The situation took a tragic turn when police allegedly fired shots to disperse the protesters, resulting in at least one death and leaving another protester severely injured and hospitalized.
Blaq020: Its not the fault of the Indian's but our Nigerian bosses they're the one causing all the problems even on this matter two workers was shoot to death
that's very sad, why killing workers who are protesting for their rights
I hope this will get the attention of Oyo State government and FG
M23 rebel is funded by Rwanda, Paul kagame should stop destabilizing DR Congo
Congo is a country rich in natural resources, but the people are very poor, the country is plagued by armed conflicts funded by foreign powers for their selfish interest, It boasts vast deposits of industrial diamonds, cobalt and copper, Most of the raw mineral deposits remain untapped and are worth an estimated $24 trillion
Congo is by far the richest country in Africa in terms of natural resources, unfortunately it remains underdeveloped
The M23 militia group has seized another town in the war-torn east of DR Congo, as the rebels gain more ground, sources told AFP Sunday.
Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group which has seized swathes of eastern DR Congo in an ongoing offensive launched in 2021 – something Kigali denies.
On Sunday, the M23 (March 23 Movement) moved into the town of Kirumba, in North Kivu province, which has been rocked by violence since 2021 when the group resumed its armed campaign in the region.
Kirumba is the biggest town in the south of the Lubero territory, where the group has been advancing, and a big commercial center with more than 120,000 residents.
“We regret that the large entity (the town) has since yesterday evening been in the hands of the M23,” a local official, who did not wish to be named, told AFP on Sunday.
He said the group is now heading north from the town.
“They are numerous, some arrived on foot and others in vehicles,” a civil society leader, who asked to remain unnamed, told AFP.
During a meeting with residents on Sunday, the M23 said “they are going to Butembo and Beni, then to Kinshasa (DRC capital),” a participant told AFP over the telephone.
“Go tell the population of Butembo that we are on route (there), we will arrive everywhere,” M23 general Gaceri Justin said during the meeting, according to a recording heard by AFP.
Strategic Town On Saturday, M23 seized the strategic town of Kanyabayonga, as other surrounding areas also fell into the hands of the rebels.
Kanyabayonga is home to more than 60,000 people and tens of thousands of people have fled there in recent months, driven from their homes by the advance of the rebels.
The town is considered a pathway to Butembo and Beni in the north, strongholds of the Nande tribe and major commercial centers.
It is in the Lubero territory, the fourth territory in the North Kivu province that the group has entered after Rutshuru, Nyiragongo, and Masisi.
Other towns near Kanyabayonga have also been seized by M23, according to officials and security sources.
Five people including three civilians and two soldiers were killed in the town of Kayna where the rebels took control on Saturday, Console Sindani, vice president of Kayna civil society, told AFP on Sunday.
The mayor of the commune of Kayna, Clovis Kanyauru, said there had been three deaths.
President Felix Tshisekedi held a meeting of DR Congo’s defense council on Saturday.
During a speech to mark the country’s independence day, Tshisekedi said “clear and firm instructions have been given for the safeguarding of the territorial integrity of our country,” without giving more details.
DR Congo’s mineral-rich east has been the scene of violence for 30 years by armed groups, both local and foreign-based, going back to regional wars of the 1990s.
Staff of Yale today in Ibadan staged a protest against the company's refusal to pay them the palliatives as directed by the federal government some time ago, it was gathered that other companies have since paid their workers except sumal foods
The federal government had last year directed the organized private sector to give their workers palliatives and stop paying taxes for six months
Workers are also asking for salary increment as the inflation soars making things very difficult.
The company instead of addressing the plights of the workers went and hire policemen, operation burst, and civil defence to intimidate them, some workers were also arrested
Two people were reportedly killed when an Improvised Explosive Device exploded at Mile 40 along the Maiduguri-Monguno Road in Borno State on Sunday.
It was gathered that the tragedy occurred when the farmers stepped on the IED planted on the road. The incident occurred around 9:10 am on Sunday, June 30.
A security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, made this known on his Social media account on Sunday, noting that the use of IEDs by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) indicates weakness rather than strength.
Zagazola explained that ISWAP's reliance on IEDs suggests that they are weak and their conventional militants' capability has been depleted.
He said, “The use of IEDs is often a tactic of desperation, employed by ISWAP, because they lack the manpower or firepower to achieve their objectives through conventional means.”
He added that unlike in the past when they could attack military bases and towns, they are now only adopting defensive strategies to stop troop incursions into their enclaves.
MissOpe: He's unable to address the rumor himself due to his struggles with dementia, which has significantly impaired his memory. In fact, my dad'scondition is even more severe than Olu Jacobs, yet we remain grateful to God for his life. Despite the challenges, we are thankful and trust that all will be well .
wishing your Dad all the best, old age comes with a lot of problems
Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva has broken her silence on rumours going round on social media that her husband, Olu Jacobs is dead.
This is the second time rumours about the death of The ace Nigerian actor and film executive, whose real name is Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, will be making rounds on social media.
Speaking with TheNEWS and this evening, his wife, Joke, debunked the rumour, saying “her husband is alive and doing just fine.”
Fondly called Uncle Olu by his colleagues and teeming admirers, Olu Jacobs has made his mark in the Nigeria’s movie industry. With more than 40 years acting experience under his belt, Jacobs is seen as a bridge between the old and new breed of actors. Trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, England, Jacobs remains one of Africa’s creative gifts to the world, having worked with various repertoire theatres in Britain and starred in some international movies.
In 2007 he won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Olu Jacobs has distinguished himself as a godfather in Nollywood, paving a successful path for many emerging actors and actresses in the industry. His love for acting was inspired by the late legendary film maker, Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party which held at Colonial Hotel in Kano. Thereafter, he travelled to England where he studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.
He has been described as ‘one of Nollywood’s finest actors, best role interpreter and the best manipulator of words’. For his dedication to his acting career spanning over five decades, he was honoured with the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.’ Also, AMAA conferred its Lifetime Achievement Awards on him in 2016.
Olu Jacobs is married to veteran actress Joke Silva. The couple founded and operate the Lufodo Group, a media corporation that consists of film production, distribution assets and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. In England, he trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He then starred in various British television shows and series in the 1970s (e.g. The Goodies, Till Death Do Us Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, 1990, The Tomorrow People, The Professionals). In 1978, he played the role of President Mageeba in Michael Codron’s presentation of Sir Tom Stoppard’s play Night and Day.
In the 1980s Jacobs starred in several international films some of which include John Irvin’s war film The Dogs of War, Roman Polanski’s adventure-comedy Pirates (1986) and the family-adventure film Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985). On television he was a cast member in TVS’s The Witches and the Grinnygog.
Jacobs has subsequently starred in over 120 Nollywood films. He is considered one of the top Nigerian Nollywood actors.”
30 feared dead, 100 injured in Borno as female suicide bombers hit wedding, funeral
Emir of Gwoza local government area of Borno State, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, yesterday, confirmed that multiple suicide attacks were carried out at various locations, including a wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town.
The coordinated incidents, which took place in the afternoon, allegedly caused pandemonium as people scampered for safety.
Sources said, “More than 30 people were killed with over 100 sustained various degrees of injuries, even as many of the victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention.”
Confirming the incident to Sunday Vanguard exclusively, Timta said, “ The entire Gwoza council area is in mourning following multiple suicide attacks on our community.
“The first suicide attack was masterminded by an unidentified woman who sneaked with two children into a wedding reception of a popular young man in Gwoza. She detonated her Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) killing herself and many people.
“A few minutes after, another suicide bomber sneaked into a burial ceremony nearby and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices, and as am talking to you now, the third explosion just occurred a few minutes ago with more casualties.
“At least, over 100 people were injured, and most of them who sustained serious injuries have been rushed to Maiduguri with military escort for proper medical attention.
“This is just a preliminary confirmation, as details of the casualties are still yet unknown, but I will keep you posted on any developments”. The Emir stated.
Reacting to the incidents, a member representing Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa federal constituency, Ahmed Usman Jaha a.k.a Babawo, sympathized with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the multiple attacks, even as he prayed to Allah to grant the souls of the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus, and wished those who sustained injuries quick recovery.
Gwoza, a town in southern Borno bordering the Cameroun Republic. It was hitherto declared Boko Haram Territory after it was captured by insurgents with hundreds of people killed before it was later liberated by troops.
Foreign Affairs › India: Over 100 Killed In Stampede At Religious Gathering by God1000(op): 3:05pm On Jul 03, 2024
