Excitement filled the air as thousands of fans gathered at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, eager to witness one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports, Davido, perform live during his “5ive Tour.” Anticipation for an unforgettable night of Afrobeats and electrifying performances ran high, with concertgoers arriving hours in advance, ready to celebrate the music of the superstar.
However, what should have been a seamless and thrilling experience quickly descended into chaos. Attendees were confronted with severe overcrowding, significant delays, and reports of theft and harassment that overshadowed the much-anticipated show. Instead of the vibrant, organized event fans had expected, the night became a test of patience, endurance, and personal safety for many in the crowd.
Tour Comes to Enugu Amid High Anticipation
Davido, one of Africa’s biggest music exports, had announced the return of his “5ive Tour” to Nigeria, with scheduled 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 reached Enugu on November 1. The series of concerts is slated to conclude in Ibadan on November 9 and Lagos on December 25.
While earlier legs of the tour reportedly went off without major incident, the Enugu show drew widespread criticism from fans and social media users, with many describing the night as chaotic and unsafe.
Overcrowding and Security Lapses
The concert reportedly attracted over 40,000 people, nearly double the 20,000-person capacity of the venue. Videos and firsthand accounts posted on TikTok and X painted a picture of disorder, including gate breaches, insufficient security, and fans entering without tickets.
TikTok user #adis_beautification shared her distressing experience: “None of them were wearing the tag. Those without a ticket entered; the gate was broken, and the security guards weren’t at the gate. The security personnel did a terrible job. Touts entered. They used razor blades to tear bags. My phone was stolen.”
The breakdown in security contributed to a sense of fear among attendees, with many questioning whether safety measures had been adequately considered.
Harassment and Theft Plague Fans
Multiple concertgoers recounted incidents of harassment and theft within the crowd. TikTok user #hairz_by_steph described aggressive behavior from fellow attendees: “They were pressing girls’ breasts and buttocks. The crowd was too much. People were just entering.” She also noted the extreme delay in Davido’s appearance, which was scheduled for 4 p.m. but did not occur until around 3 a.m.
Another attendee, #mmachukwu, described a “stampede-like situation” near the entrance. “There were tasers, there were canes. People would just be going in, trying to pass through the gates, and suddenly, there would be a huge crowd pushing everyone backwards,” she said. “Everyone was falling down. Security completely broke down.”
Inside the venue, conditions reportedly worsened, with heat, suffocation, and uncontrolled crowds putting fans at risk.
Social Media Amplifies Fan Outrage
Several viral clips captured the chaos, including instances of theft, harassment, and personal belongings being stolen. TikTok user #reallifestories tearfully recounted losing her wig, shoe, phone, and bag during the concert, highlighting the vulnerability of attendees in such a densely packed environment.
Users across social media platforms condemned the event organizers, stressing that proper crowd control, safety measures, and accountability are non-negotiable in modern concert planning. #Gidi_Traffic wrote: “It’s 2025 — there’s no excuse. Event organizers must start factoring in the safety and well-being of women at gatherings like this.”
Calls for Accountability
Despite widespread criticism, neither Davido nor the event organizers have released official statements addressing the reported security lapses and safety concerns. The Enugu concert serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of overcrowded events and the urgent need for better planning and crowd management in Nigeria’s live entertainment industry.