What was billed as an electrifying night of Afrobeats at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, turned chaotic for many fans, as poor security, overcrowding, and reports of theft and harassment overshadowed Davido’s concert on Saturday, November 1.
The concert was part of the Nigerian singer’s “5ive Tour,” which includes stops in Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos.
The tour kicked off in Uyo on October 26, continued in Yola on October 29, and made its third stop in Enugu before heading to Ibadan on November 9 and Lagos on December 25.
While earlier shows reportedly went smoothly, the Enugu leg drew heavy criticism after attendees described chaotic scenes, from gate breaches and harassment to security lapses and overcrowding.
Overcrowding and safety lapses
The concert allegedly attracted over 40,000 people, nearly double the venue’s 20,000 capacity, causing confusion and safety concerns.
Fans took to TikTok and X to share distressing experiences, alleging gate breaches, theft of valuables, and inadequate security presence.
Many concertgoers said the show, slated to start at 4 p.m., didn’t see the headline act arrive until around 3 a.m., nearly 12 hours late, worsening the frustration.
“The gate was broken; they used razor blades to tear bags”
A TikTok user, #adis_beautification, said ticketless fans forced their way in after security collapsed.
“Those without a ticket entered; the gate was broken, and the security guards weren’t at the gate. They used razor blades to tear bags,” she said, adding that her phone was stolen.
“They were pressing girls; the crowd was too much”
Another attendee, #hairz_by_steph, described harassment and theft in the packed crowd.
“They were pressing girls’ breasts and buttocks. I lost my nails; the crowd was too much,” she said, recalling how Davido didn’t appear until early morning.
“People were falling; security used tasers and canes”
A user identified as #mmachukwu recounted a “stampede-like situation.”
“There were tasers, there were canes. People were falling down as security tried to control the crowd. If I hadn’t held my sister, she would have fallen,” she said.
She added that inside the venue, “the heat and suffocation intensified; we had to move toward the fence for air. That’s how people die in crowds.”
Theft and loss
Other users shared similar ordeals.
TikToker #reallifestories said through tears that she lost her wig, shoes, phone, and bag. “It’s not fair. Someone had to lend me clothes and slippers to get home,” she said.
In another viral video, #mirabel_merra was seen having her wig pulled off while dancing, and a separate clip showed a thief snatching a fan’s phone mid-recording.
Public outcry
Across social media, users condemned the organisers for poor planning and disregard for safety.
“It’s 2025, there’s no excuse. Event organisers must prioritise the safety and well-being of women,” one X user, @Gidi_Traffic, wrote.
As of press time, neither Davido nor the event organisers had issued an official statement addressing the complaints.
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