Two tragic incidents during charity distributions in Nigeria have left at least 13 people dead, including four children, and many others injured.
These heartbreaking events occurred on Saturday in Abuja and Okija, indicating the dire struggles faced by many Nigerians during the festive season.
Stampede in Abuja Leaves 10 Dead
In Abuja, the capital city, chaos erupted at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama district during an early morning charity event. Crowds gathered to receive food and clothing donations when a stampede broke out around 6:30 a.m. 
“This unfortunate event… claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries,” explained Josephine Adeh, a police spokesperson.
The victims, predominantly women and children, were trampled in the scramble for the charity provisions.
Okija Incident: More Lives Lost
Meanwhile, in Okija, Anambra State, another stampede claimed three lives at a charity event organized by a local philanthropist. According to Tochukwu Ikenga, a police spokesperson, the rush began even before the event officially started.
“We are still investigating, and more deaths could be recorded,” Ikenga stated, emphasizing the tragedy’s devastating impact.
National Mourning and Presidential Reaction
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incidents, canceling all his official engagements in Lagos on Saturday as a mark of respect for the victims.
“In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them,” President Tinubu said in a statement.
Rising Inflation and the Cost-of-Living Crisis
These events reflect the growing desperation among Nigerians, exacerbated by the nation’s severe economic challenges. With inflation climbing to 34.6% in November and ongoing cost-of-living struggles, basic essentials like rice have become unaffordable luxuries for many families.
Amnesty International Nigeria highlighted these hardships in a Saturday statement, noting, “Having ordinary rice at home is turning into a luxury.”
Calls for Accountability
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for thorough and transparent investigations into the causes of these deadly stampedes.
Authorities are urged to prevent such tragedies in the future while addressing the underlying economic struggles driving the desperation witnessed at these events.
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