Over the weekend, 32 people lost their lives in stampedes at two charity events in Nigeria. According to police reports, the casualties occurred when crowds surged as distributions of Christmas donations began.
In Okija, a southwestern city, 22 people died on Saturday as a large crowd rushed to an event distributing rice and olive oil. A similar incident in a church in the capital, Abuja, claimed 10 lives on the same day.
On Thursday, 35 children were killed during a gift and food distribution event at a high school in the southwestern city of Bashorun. To prevent future tragedies, police have urged charity organizations to notify local authorities of planned events.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered police and local governments to enforce strict crowd control measures at events. Additionally, Tinubu has suspended official ceremonies in respect for the victims.
“During a season of joy and celebration, we remember our compatriots who mourn the painful loss of their loved ones,” stated the president. Such incidents are not uncommon in Nigeria, especially during free food distributions.
Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria is experiencing its worst economic crisis in twenty years, with food prices tripling in the past 18 months due to inflation. In August, thousands of unemployed youths protested against rising living costs.
Source: NOS