Rudolph Angler Two separate stampedes during Christmas charity events in Nigeria have claimed the lives of 32 people, police confirmed on Sunday. Among the victims were four children, as chaotic scenes unfolded in Anambra state’s Okija town and the capital, Abuja.
In Okija, 22 people died during a food distribution event organized by a philanthropist. Meanwhile, 10 more fatalities occurred in Abuja during a church-organized charity event. Both incidents are now under police investigation.
Rising Economic Hardship Fuels Charity Crowds
Nigeria’s worsening cost-of-living crisis has driven more people to seek aid at charity events. Organized by churches and local groups, these events aim to alleviate economic hardship but often lack proper safety measures.
In Abuja, witnesses described desperate scenes as crowds surged at a church gate around 4 a.m., long before the event began. Loveth Inyang, a witness, recounted saving a baby from being crushed as people scrambled to enter.
Authorities Urged to Enforce Safety Protocols
The tragedies have led to calls for stricter safety measures at charity events. Police now require organizers to obtain permission and ensure crowd control measures are in place.
This is not the first instance of deadly stampedes at such gatherings. In May 2022, 31 people died during a “Shop for Free” event in Port Harcourt, organized by the Kings Assembly Pentecostal Church.
These incidents underscore the need for better planning and oversight to prevent further tragedies during Nigeria’s escalating economic challenges.