Death toll rises in stampede at charity event in Nigeria

(CLO) The death toll in two stampedes at charity events in Nigeria has risen from 13 to 32, police announced on Sunday.

The victims were mainly women and children who had been waiting in line for free food for hours.

Nigerian children are largely malnourished. Photo illustration: Raphealny / pixabay

The first incident occurred at a charity distribution event in the town of Okija, Anambra state, southeastern Nigeria, on Saturday. At least 22 people were killed when crowds jostled to receive gifts of rice, cooking oil and cash.

On the same day, another stampede occurred at a church-organized charity event in the capital Abuja. At least 10 people, including four children, were trampled to death while trying to get free food.

Witnesses in Abuja said many people had been queuing since the night before to receive relief supplies. Police are investigating both incidents.

Just days earlier, another stampede at a school fair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan also killed 35 children.

These incidents have prompted Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to call on the authorities to impose stricter controls on charity events, stressing the importance of ensuring public safety amid growing economic hardship.

Maazo Ezekiel, spokesman for Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the stampedes showed "necessary safety precautions were not taken before distributing relief supplies." Police also warned organizers to notify local authorities in advance when planning similar events.

Nigeria's difficult economic situation has worsened since President Tinubu implemented austerity reforms, including devaluation of the naira and ending subsidies on electricity and fuel.

The inflation rate rose to 34.6 percent in November, from 33.88 percent in October, marking the third consecutive month of rising inflation.

A joint report by the Nigerian government and the United Nations in November said more than 30 million people in the country will face severe food shortages next year.

“Never before have so many people in Nigeria been living in food insecurity,” said Chi Lael, spokeswoman for the World Food Programme in Nigeria.

Cao Phong (according to Reuters, AFP, DW)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/so-nguoi-chet-tang-cao-trong-cac-vu-giam-dap-tai-su-kien-tu-thien-o-nigeria-post326984.html