Disaster risks in crowded situation: contemporary manifestations and implications of human stampede in Nigeria

Crowded situations are inherently disaster-prone. This paper examines human stampede as a typical instance of crowd disaster in Nigeria with a view to making recommendations for its mitigation. By way of qualitative discourse, predicated on relevant secondary sources, the paper observes that the occurrence of human stampede in Nigeria is as a result of failure or inadequacy of crowd management cum control in mass public events and gatherings. It posits that human stampede is a veritable threat to public safety and/or security in Nigeria in view of its dire consequences. Further, it recommends a proactive, contingency approach to crowd control and management as a panacea to the problem.