Tragic Stampedes Claim 13 Lives in Nigeria Amid Christmas Charity Events


At least 13 people, including four children, lost their lives in two separate stampedes in Nigeria as large crowds gathered to receive food and clothing distributed during annual Christmas charity events, police confirmed on Saturday.
The incidents underscore the rising trend of charity initiatives organized by local organizations, religious institutions, and private individuals in the lead-up to Christmas. This year, the events come at a time when Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is grappling with its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.

The first tragedy occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, an affluent district in the capital city of Abuja. Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh revealed in a statement that ten people were killed in the early hours of the morning. The chaos erupted as hundreds of people, some of whom had been waiting since the previous night, surged towards the church gates to secure a spot ahead of the distribution of charitable gifts.

Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede began around 4 a.m. local time, hours before the planned distribution of food and clothing items. Overwhelmed by the growing crowd, which exceeded 1,000 people, security personnel struggled to maintain order, leading to a fatal rush. Authorities have since evacuated the premises and are working to identify the victims.

The second incident occurred in a different part of the country, though details remain scant at the time of reporting. Four children were among the deceased in this separate stampede, which further highlights the growing desperation among citizens facing economic hardships.

These tragic events follow another deadly stampede earlier in the week, raising concerns about the safety and management of such large-scale charity initiatives. Analysts attribute the increasing frequency of these incidents to the deepening economic woes in Nigeria, where inflation and unemployment have surged, leaving millions struggling to afford basic necessities.

Authorities and local leaders have called for improved planning and crowd control measures to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, the nation mourns the loss of lives in what should have been a season of joy and goodwill.

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