AT least 13 people lost their lives in two separate charity-related stampedes across Nigeria on Saturday, highlighting the devastating effects of rising poverty amid the country’s economic crisis. The incidents, which primarily involved women and children, underscore the dangerous desperation as the nation grapples with its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.
The first tragedy unfolded in the capital, Abuja, where a stampede occurred during a charity event organised by the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the upscale Maitama district. Hundreds gathered at the event, hoping to receive gifts, but the situation quickly escalated into chaos. According to police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, the stampede, which took place at approximately 6:30 a.m., claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children. At least eight others were injured in the incident.
‘This unfortunate event resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children,’ said Adeh. ‘Many others sustained injuries, and we are working to provide assistance.’
Charity chaos in Anambra state
The second tragedy took place in Okija, a town in southeastern Nigeria’s Anambra state, where a crowd gathered for an offer of rice, vegetable oil, and cash. The desperate crowd surged for the supplies, resulting in a deadly crush. State police confirmed three deaths, but eyewitnesses and Amnesty International Nigeria put the death toll at 20, with many others sustaining injuries.
The deadly stampedes have once again raised alarms over the lack of crowd control and safety measures at charity events, with most of the victims being women and children, who were trampled in the chaos.
Rising desperation amid economic hardship
The deadly stampedes come as Nigeria struggles with soaring inflation and an escalating cost-of-living crisis. Under President Bola Tinubu, the country has seen a reduction in fuel and electricity subsidies, contributing to a sharp devaluation of the national currency and a rise in living costs. In November, inflation reached a record high of 34.6 percent, further exacerbating the financial struggles of many Nigerians.
Amnesty International Nigeria has stated that basic food items, such as rice, have become a luxury for many, driving people into extreme poverty and making charity events vital lifelines.
‘This desperate scramble for food shows how dire the situation has become for Nigerians, with ordinary rice now a luxury many can’t afford,’ said Amnesty in a statement.
Urgent calls for investigation and safety measures
Following the stampedes, human rights organisations, including Amnesty International Nigeria, have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into how the charity events descended into chaos. There have been widespread calls for better safety measures and crowd management strategies to prevent further tragedies.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue a formal response, but the incidents highlight the urgent need for intervention to ensure that charity events, meant to alleviate the suffering of citizens, do not become death traps.
In the wake of the Abuja and Okija tragedies, the government faces increasing pressure to improve public safety measures and address the underlying economic issues that drive the growing desperation across the country.
This tragic series of events underscores the need for both immediate and long-term action to protect vulnerable Nigerians who, in their pursuit of essential resources, have become victims of an escalating crisis.
