News Summary:
- At least 32 people, including four children, died during stampedes at Christmas charity events in Nigeria due to surging crowds desperate for food.
- Twenty-two fatalities occurred in Anambra state, while 10 others died in Abuja, prompting investigations by authorities.
- Police are calling for stricter safety measures and permissions for charity events to prevent further tragedies.
At least 32 people, including four children, have tragically lost their lives in stampedes during two Christmas charity events in Nigeria, according to police. These incidents highlight the growing desperation for food amid the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.
The first incident occurred in Okija, Anambra state, where 22 people died during a food distribution event organized by a local philanthropist. In a second, similar event in Abuja, another 10 people died at a church-organized charity. Tochukwu Ikenga, a police spokesman, confirmed the deaths on Sunday.
These devastating stampedes are just the latest in a string of such tragedies. Just days earlier, another stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 children. Authorities are investigating the causes of these incidents and are focusing on safety measures at large public events.
Growing Desperation Amid Economic Hardship
Nigeria, which has the highest population in Africa, is facing severe economic hardships that have led to a rise in charity events. With the Christmas season bringing additional pressure, many Nigerians are desperate for food and assistance, which has led to dangerous overcrowding at these events.
Witnesses of the Abuja stampede described scenes of chaos as people rushed to get inside a church for food distribution at 4 a.m. Loveth Inyang, who was involved in rescuing a baby from the crush, revealed that some people had been waiting overnight in hopes of receiving aid.
This tragic event brings to mind similar incidents in Nigeria’s history. In May 2022, a stampede at a “Shop for Free” charity event in Port Harcourt killed 31 people, reinforcing concerns about safety at these charity gatherings.
Calls for Better Safety Measures
The recent spate of deadly stampedes has led to urgent calls for stricter safety regulations at charity events in Nigeria. Authorities have now issued a directive requiring organizers to obtain permission before hosting large gatherings.
Police have also called for improved crowd control measures to prevent future tragedies, especially at charity events, which often attract large and vulnerable crowds. Despite previous incidents, safety protocols remain insufficient, and there is growing pressure on organizers to implement better planning and oversight.
In response to the crisis, community leaders and charity organizers are encouraged to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure that these food distribution events are conducted in a safe and controlled manner. With many Nigerians struggling to survive the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, ensuring the safety of these vulnerable individuals at charity events is crucial.