The death toll from stampedes during Christmas charity events in Nigeria has climbed to 32, including at least four children, police confirmed on Sunday. The tragic incidents occurred as desperate crowds surged for food handouts amid the country’s most severe cost-of-living crisis in a generation.
The victims included 22 people who lost their lives in Okija, a town in southeastern Anambra state, during a food distribution event organized by a local philanthropist on Saturday, according to police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga. Another 10 fatalities were reported in the capital city, Abuja, where a church-organized charity event experienced a similar crowd surge.
Tragedy Amid Hardship
Witnesses in Abuja described chaotic scenes as crowds gathered outside the church gates as early as 4 a.m., hours before gift items were to be distributed. Many, including elderly individuals, had waited overnight in hopes of receiving food.
“There was a rush as people tried to enter the premises,” said Loveth Inyang, a witness who rescued a baby from the crush.
Both incidents have drawn attention to Nigeria’s growing trend of charity events during the holiday season. Local organizations, churches, and individuals often organize such initiatives to alleviate widespread economic hardship exacerbated by soaring inflation and unemployment rates.
Investigation and Calls for Safety
Police have launched investigations into the two events, which occurred just days after another tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children. Authorities are under mounting pressure to implement and enforce stricter safety protocols for such gatherings.
Nigerian police have now mandated that organizers of charity events obtain prior permission to ensure adequate crowd control measures are in place.
“These events must be properly coordinated to prevent further loss of life,” said Ikenga, the police spokesman.
Recurring Issue
Deadly stampedes at charity events are not new in Nigeria. In May 2022, a similar tragedy in Port Harcourt claimed 31 lives during an annual “Shop for Free” program organized by the Kings Assembly Pentecostal Church in Rivers State.
The latest incidents highlight the urgent need for better planning and regulation of public events, particularly those aimed at assisting vulnerable populations.
As Nigeria grapples with its economic challenges, the stampedes have reignited debates about addressing systemic poverty and ensuring the safety and dignity of those in need. Advocates are calling for government intervention to improve social welfare programs and reduce the reliance on potentially dangerous charity distributions.
For now, the nation mourns another preventable tragedy as families and communities struggle to cope with the loss of loved ones.
