By Ireti Asemota.
What was meant to be a thrilling night of Afrobeats at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, turned into a night of chaos for many attendees on Saturday, November 1. Fans reported severe overcrowding, weak security measures, and incidents of theft and harassment, which overshadowed Davido’s performance.
The “5ive Tour,” announced by Davido as a return to Nigeria, has been making stops across cities including Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos. The tour kicked off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on October 26, continued in Yola, Adamawa, on October 29, and arrived in Enugu for its third stop on November 1. The tour is set to conclude with performances in Ibadan on November 9 and Lagos on December 25.
While earlier shows reportedly went smoothly, the Enugu leg faced widespread criticism. Concertgoers described overcrowded conditions, harassment, theft, and a lack of adequate crowd control. Reports suggest that more than 40,000 people attended the concert, nearly double the venue’s 20,000-person capacity, creating unsafe conditions.
Social media platforms like TikTok and X were filled with distressing accounts of the night’s events. Attendees shared videos and personal experiences highlighting security lapses, delayed performances, and chaotic scenes.
Many fans noted that the concert, scheduled to start at 4 p.m., saw Davido appear only around 3 a.m.—almost 12 hours later—escalating frustration and raising safety concerns.
One TikTok user, #adis_beautification, described how ticketless attendees gained entry after the gate was broken. “None of them were wearing the tag. The security personnel did a terrible job. Touts entered. They used razor blades to tear bags,” she said, adding that her phone was stolen during the chaos.
Another attendee, #hairz_by_steph, recounted harassment in the crowd, saying, “They were pressing girls’ breasts and buttocks. The crowd was too much. People were entering without tags, and my phone was stolen. Security had to carry me out because it was unbearable.”
TikTok user #mmachukwu shared a harrowing account of the crowd’s intensity. “There were tasers and canes being used. People were falling everywhere. Security completely broke down, and gates were forced open. The stampede-like situation was terrifying. We stayed until about 2:30 a.m., but the wait was not worth the risk.”
Other viral videos showed theft in progress, attendees being harassed, and fans losing personal belongings. TikTok user #reallifestories broke down in tears after losing her wig, shoes, phone, and bag. She described how a stranger helped her recover slightly and encouraged her to leave, highlighting the vulnerability of fans in the chaotic environment.
Across social media, users criticized the event organizers for failing to plan adequately for crowd safety and for allowing thousands of ticketless people into the venue. Many emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of women and other vulnerable attendees at large gatherings.
As of now, neither Davido nor the concert organizers have released an official statement addressing the complaints or incidents at the Enugu show.
