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ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - A minimum of 13 individuals, including four children, were eliminated in 2 different stampedes in Nigeria as large crowds gathered to collect food and clothing items distributed at annual Christmas events, the authorities stated Saturday.
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The 2 accidents came days after another such stampede in Africa ´ s most populated country, amidst a growing trend by regional organizations, churches and people to organize charity occasions ahead of Christmas, as the country has problem with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.
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Ten individuals were killed in the first stampede in the early hours at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, an upmarket part of the capital, Abuja, authorities spokesman Josephine Adeh stated in a declaration, adding that more than 1,000 individuals have been left from the church.
There was a crowd surge at one of the church gates, as dozens attempted to enter the facilities at around 4 a.m., hours before the gift items were to be shared, witnesses said, pointing out that some had been waiting given that the previous night.
"The way they were hurrying to get in, some people were falling and some of them were old," Loveth Inyang, a witness. Inyang stated he managed to save one child as his mother struggled in the rise.
Three people died in a similar crush later in the southeastern Anambra state's Okija town at a charity occasion organized by a philanthropist, the state police said.
"The occasion had actually not even started when the rush began," authorities spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga stated. There could be more deaths tape-recorded as officers investigate the event, he stated.
Viral video footage that seemed from the Abuja scene revealed lifeless bodies pushing the ground as people yelled for help. A few of the hurt have been dealt with and released while others continue to get treatment, police stated.
The church the fundraiser with bags of rice and clothing products still arranged within the properties.
As the church held a wedding after the crowd was evacuated, the pain and sadness stayed palpable even as households and friends gathered for wedding event pictures.
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu revealed his sympathy with the victims' families and asked states and relevant authorities to implement strict crowd control steps.
The recent stampedes in Nigeria have raised questions about precaution in such occasions. Several kids were eliminated on Wednesday today when a local foundation arranged a well-attended funfair to distribute gift products and food to kids in southwestern Oyo state.
After the most recent catastrophe, the cops in Abuja revealed that prior authorization should be obtained before such charity drive are organized.
The existing financial challenge under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who assured "restored hope" when he was sworn into workplace in May 2023, is blamed on surging inflation that is at a 28-year high and the federal government ´ s economic policies that have pressed the local currency to record low against the dollar.
Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has led to mass demonstrations in current months. In August, at least 20 individuals were shot dead and numerous others were apprehended at demonstrations demanding much better chances and jobs for youths.