On August 13, 1979, 24 football fans died in a stampede minutes after the epic encounter between IICC Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, when the floodlights were suddenly switched off.
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The tightly packed crowd made a frantic and hurried rush towards the 72 exit points of the main bowl where iron gates had just been mounted.
Unknown to the rushing crowd, the exit points at the northern end of the stadium, the Gates A and B, were still locked.
Early arrivals to the locked gates were trapped to the barrier in the ensuing stampede.
The gates collapsed under the weight of the surging crowd and the early arrivals were trampled upon.
Some of them died of suffocation.
Unfortunately, the National Sports Commission (NSC) medical centre was not opened that night.
So, there was no immediate medical attention. Ambulances at the sports complex could not also function for lack of personnel.
About 50 others in convulsive conditions were rushed to hospitals. By the time calm was restored, 24 fans were confirmed dead. #HistoryVille
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