Tragedy Strikes Christmas Charity Events in Nigeria as Stampede Claims 32 Lives
In a heartbreaking series of incidents during Christmas charity events in Nigeria, the death toll has risen to 32, including at least four children, following crowd surges in desperate attempts to secure food aid during a severe cost-of-living crisis. The tragedies occurred in two locations: 22 individuals lost their lives in Okija, Anambra state, at a food distribution organized by a local philanthropist, while ten others died in a similar event in Abuja, organized by a church.
Witnesses from Abuja recounted scenes of chaos as people waited overnight, hoping to receive food and gifts scheduled to be distributed. A surge at one of the church’s entrances caused the fatal crowd crush, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities. Loveth Inyang, a bystander, described how she rescued a baby caught in the melee, highlighting the desperate circumstances many faced.
The surge in charity events is a reaction to the economic challenges plaguing Nigeria, as local organizations, churches, and individuals hasten to alleviate hardships amid soaring costs. However, these incidents have sparked urgent calls for enhanced safety measures at such gatherings. In light of the growing dangers, Nigerian police have mandated that event organizers seek prior permission to hold such charity distributions.
These stampedes are not unprecedented in Nigeria, a country marked by previous deadly events. A similar incident in Port Harcourt in May 2022 resulted in 31 deaths during a church charity program. Authorities are now under pressure to enforce stricter safety protocols to prevent further tragedies at future charity events. As the nation mourns those lost, the urgent need for change and improved safety measures at public gatherings has never been more pronounced.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com
