Suleja, Niger State experienced turmoil on Sunday, August 31, as residents looted relief materials intended for public distribution. The situation quickly escalated into chaos when impatient locals surged forward, trampling others in a desperate scramble for supplies.
Security personnel struggled to restore order despite repeated announcements urging calm. Commands such as “Nobody should go out. Security should lock the gate, nobody should go out” were issued, but armed officers and stick-wielding guards were overwhelmed by the crowd.
Video footage showed thousands caught in frantic scenes, with some residents climbing fences after gates were locked to escape with relief items. Efforts to control the situation were hampered by the size and restlessness of the crowd.
