Asake Expresses Heartbreak, Pledges Accountability After Fan Dies at Nairobi Concert

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake has issued a heartfelt statement following the tragic death of a fan at his December 20 concert in Nairobi. The incident, which occurred during a crowd crush at the venue, claimed the life of Karen Lojore and left many in mourning. Taking to Instagram, Asake wrote: “I am devastated by the tragic incident that took place at the festival on Dec 20th in Nairobi. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Karen Lojore, and I pledge to support and do my best to understand what happened. Those responsible should be held accountable. Music has always been my way of sharing love and joy, and it breaks my heart that anyone had to experience such loss. My thoughts are with everyone grieving, and I pray that Karen rests in peace. God Bless Kenya.” The singer’s statement reflects his shock and sorrow, as well as his commitment to ensure accountability for those involved. Event organizers have also expressed condolences and vowed to cooperate with authorities to investigate the tragedy and improve safety measures for future events. The heartbreaking incident has sparked widespread discussion about concert safety and the need for stricter crowd management.

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Kenyan Woman Dies in Stampede at Asake Concert in Nairobi

A Kenyan woman, identified as Karen Lojore, tragically died during Nigerian singer Asake’s concert at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on Saturday. The incident occurred when a stampede broke out at the venue, which was attended by thousands of fans. Kenyan news outlet Ghetto Radio reported that poor ticket management caused congestion at the stadium entrances, contributing to the chaos. In response, Kenya’s Kodong Clan withdrew from the event, citing disrespect and mistreatment by the organisers. Friends and acquaintances of Lojore took to social media to mourn her death, highlighting that she had a valid ticket, which should have ensured her safety. One user wrote, “One of my friends just lost her friend at the Asake concert; she was in the stampede and unfortunately lost her life, yet she had a ticket. My heart breaks for her. Aki, may she rest in peace.” Poet and activist Willie Oeba also confirmed the incident, expressing sadness over the circumstances surrounding her death. “Karen passed on last night as a result of the stampede at the Nyayo Stadium Asake concert. Very sad to die in such a manner at such a time. Rest in peace, young soul,” he said. Eyewitnesses reported that slow movement by stewards at the entry points caused large crowds to form outside the stadium. Police efforts to restore order reportedly escalated the situation, leading to panic, running, and cries of “I can’t breathe” from the crowd. This tragedy recalls a similar incident at Asake’s London concert on December 15, 2022, at the O2 Brixton Academy, where a crowd crush claimed two lives and left several others critically injured.

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Police arrest Catholic Priest, others over Abuja stampede

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the parish priest and several officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, following a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including children. The incident occurred during a grocery distribution event aimed at assisting the needy on December 23, 2024, when a large crowd surged towards the church’s gates, leading to chaos and fatalities. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrests, stating that the action was necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede. She emphasized that organizing such a large event without notifying the police is a serious oversight, especially given the tragic loss of life. After initial questioning, the arrested individuals were allowed to return home as the investigation continues. Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Abuja Diocese criticized the arrests, describing them as counterproductive and lacking compassion. In a Christmas message, he urged the government to support the church and the victims’ families instead of pursuing legal action against church officials. He expressed concern over the government’s response, suggesting that it should focus on improving safety measures for future events rather than threatening prosecution. The stampede in Abuja is part of a larger pattern of similar incidents, with over 60 lives lost across three separate events in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states. President Bola Tinubu has also commented on the situation, attributing the tragedies to poor planning by the event organisers. Witnesses reported that the stampede began around 4 a.m. as thousands gathered for the distribution, with many refusing to queue, leading to a dangerous crush at the entrance. The police have since issued new guidelines for organizing large gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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Stampede: Court remands Ooni’s ex-queen, Oriyomi Hamzat

The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday ordered the remand of the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun Ibadan, Mr Abdullahi Fasasi; the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; and Naomi Silekunola, an estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at Agodi Correctional Centre. The court presided over by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, remanded the three defendants on a four-count charge of conspiracy and murder in connection with the children’s funfair stampede in Ibadan on Wednesday. The three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trio were arrested in connection with the recent stampede that occurred at the school, and they were brought to court on Tuesday by men of the Oyo State Police Command. The suspects were arraigned amidst heavy security. The premises of the court were filled with relatives of the defendants and other interested parties. The police prosecutor argued that the offence committed by the defendants was contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000. Ogunkanmi ordered that the suspects be kept at Agodi Correctional Center pending advice from the State Prosecutor. The case has been adjourned until January 14, 2025.

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