At least 32 people have died in two separate Christmas charity events in Nigeria, according to the latest update from local authorities. The stampedes occurred during food distribution events organized by philanthropists and churches in southeastern Anambra state’s Okija town and the capital city of Abuja.
The incidents involved crowd surges as desperate individuals tried to obtain food items, with many waiting overnight for their turn. Authorities have mandated that event organizers obtain prior permission and are investigating the causes of the stampedes.
Earlier this month, a similar incident killed 35 children in Nigeria, highlighting the growing trend of charity events amidst the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in generations. The death toll has now increased to at least 32, with 22 people from Okija town and 10 others from Abuja reported dead.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-christmas-stampedes-eaf1e6d852a7014f24166c948d7e906a