Tragedy struck in Nigeria as the death toll from stampedes during two Christmas charity events has risen to 32, according to police reports. The incidents occurred in Anambra state's Okija town and the capital city of Abuja, where individuals collapsed during crowd surges while seeking food items amidst the country's severe cost-of-living crisis.
Local police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that 22 individuals, including at least four children, lost their lives during a food distribution event organized by a philanthropist in Okija town. Additionally, ten people perished during a similar charity event organized by a church in Abuja.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the stampedes, which come on the heels of another tragic incident where 35 children lost their lives in a similar situation. The country has witnessed a surge in charity events organized by local groups, churches, and individuals in an effort to alleviate the economic hardships faced by many due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Eye witnesses of the Abuja stampede recounted a crowd surge at a church gate as people attempted to enter the premises in the early hours of the morning, hours before the distribution of gift items was scheduled to take place. Some individuals, including elderly citizens, had reportedly waited overnight in line to receive food items. One witness, Loveth Inyang, shared her account of rescuing a baby from the chaos.
The tragic incidents have sparked calls for authorities to enforce stricter safety measures at such events. Nigerian police have mandated that organizers obtain prior permission before hosting similar gatherings in the future.
