By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has called for a transparent and independent investigation into the tragic incident reported in Ikire, Osun State, while also raising concerns over what it described as growing intimidation of civic actors demanding accountability.
In a press release dated January 8, 2026, FENRAD expressed sorrow over reports that a public outreach event held in Ikire, Osun State, during a New Year celebration allegedly degenerated into a stampede, resulting in multiple fatalities, including a woman identified as Mrs. Buli Balogun, popularly known as Iya Eleelo. The organisation noted that the event was said to have involved the distribution of food items and cash gifts, and that preliminary accounts pointed to challenges related to crowd control and safety arrangements, which allegedly led to the loss of innocent lives.
FENRAD extended condolences to the affected families and residents of Ikire and Osun State, describing the reported loss of lives as deeply painful and avoidable if adequate safety measures had been in place. The organisation stressed that any public gathering, whether political, social, or charitable, carries a responsibility to prioritise the safety and dignity of attendees.
Rights, Responsibility, and Due Process
Referencing Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), FENRAD underscored the constitutional right to life, stating that organisers of large public events owe participants a heightened duty of care. According to the group, the absence of effective crowd control, emergency response planning, or security coordination at such events raises serious questions that deserve objective scrutiny by relevant authorities.
The organisation emphasised that its position was not a declaration of culpability, but a call for due process, accountability, and preventive safeguards to avert similar tragedies in the future.
Concerns Over Arrest of Civic Actor
FENRAD also expressed concern over reports surrounding the arrest or detention of Mr. Apesin-Abiodun Adegoke, National Coordinator of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, following his public calls for investigation into the Ikire incident. The group stated that advocacy, public commentary, and demands for accountability fall within the ambit of constitutionally protected freedoms.
According to FENRAD, freedom of expression and peaceful civic engagement are guaranteed under Section 39 of the Constitution and reinforced by international human rights instruments ratified by Nigeria, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The organisation warned that the use of law enforcement to silence critical voices could undermine democratic norms and public trust.
Call for Wider Monitoring and Solidarity
As part of its appeal, FENRAD urged national and international human rights bodies — including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the National Human Rights Commission, and activist Omoyele Sowore — to closely monitor developments related to the Ikire case and the treatment of civic actors involved.
The group said sustained oversight and lawful advocacy are essential to ensuring that investigations, where warranted, are conducted transparently and without political interference.
Key Demands
In its statement, FENRAD outlined several demands, including:
- The immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Adegoke, if detained solely in connection with lawful advocacy.
- A full, independent, and transparent investigation into the reported Ikire incident.
- Public disclosure of findings from any official inquiry.
- Enforcement of safety and emergency response standards for political and public gatherings.
- An end to the harassment or intimidation of civil society actors and human rights defenders.
Closing Position
FENRAD concluded by stating that justice for the reported victims must not be delayed or politicised, noting that democratic leadership carries an obligation to protect lives and respect civic freedoms. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to standing with affected families, concerned citizens, and institutions working to uphold accountability and the rule of law.
