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At least 13 people, including four children, were killed in two separate stampedes in Nigeria as large crowds gathered to collect food and clothing distributed at annual Christmas events, police said Saturday.
The two accidents occurred days after another similar stampede in Africa’s most populous country, amid a growing trend of local organizations, churches and individuals to organize charity events before Christmas, as the country battles the worst cost crisis of life in a generation. .
Ten people were killed in the first stampede early Saturday at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, an upscale area of the capital Abuja, police spokeswoman Josephine Adeh said in a statement. More than 1,000 people have been evacuated from the church, he said.
There was a large crowd at one of the church doors as dozens tried to enter the grounds around 4 a.m., hours before the gifts were distributed, witnesses said. Some had been waiting since the night before, they added.
“The way they were rushing in, some people were falling and some were old,” said Loveth Inyang, a witness. Inyang said he managed to rescue a baby while his mother struggled in the surge.
Three people were killed in a similar clash later in Okija, a town in southeastern Anambra state, during a charity event organized by a philanthropist, state police said.
“The event had not even started when the avalanche started,” said police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga. The death toll could rise as officers investigate the incident, he said.
Stampedes raise questions about safety
Viral images that appeared to be from the Abuja scene showed lifeless bodies lying on the ground as people screamed for help. Some of the injured have been treated and released, while others continue to receive medical care, police said.
The church canceled the charity event, with bags of rice and clothing still lying around inside the church.
As the church held a wedding ceremony after the crowd was evacuated, the agony and sadness remained palpable even as family and friends gathered to take wedding photographs.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and called on states and relevant authorities to implement strict crowd control measures.
The stampedes have raised questions about security measures at such events. Several children died on Wednesday this week when a local foundation organized a well-attended fair to distribute gift items and food to children in Oyo State, in the south-west of the country.
After the latest disaster, the Abuja Police announced that permission must be obtained before organizing such charity events.
The current economic difficulties of Tinubu, who promised “renewed hope” when he was sworn in as president in May 2023, are attributed to rising inflation, which is at its highest level in 28 years, and the economic policies he has pursued. the local currency at a maximum level. record low against the US dollar.
Frustration over the cost of living crisis has led to mass protests in recent months. In August, at least 20 people were shot dead and hundreds more arrested in protests demanding better opportunities and jobs for young people.
