Death toll in latest stampedes in Nigeria rises to at least 32
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The death toll from two separate stampedes during Christmas charity events in Nigeria has risen to at least 32, according to police reports on Sunday. Tragically, the victims include at least four children.
As the country struggles with its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, large crowds gathered at charity events organized to distribute food and clothing. In Anambra state’s Okija town in the southeast, a philanthropist’s food distribution event turned deadly when 22 people were killed. Meanwhile, 10 others lost their lives at a similar event in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
According to witnesses, the tragedy in Abuja occurred when organizers opened the gates, causing a rush of people trying to enter the event. “Everybody just rushed in, and some people fell. Then, people started marching on them, trampling them until they died,” an eyewitness explained. Tunji Disu, the head of the Intelligence Response Team in Abuja, confirmed that many victims were trampled. “It took a lot of effort to move them to the hospital immediately,” he added.
The Nigerian police are investigating both incidents, which occurred just days after another deadly crush at a holiday funfair in Ibadan, where dozens of children lost their lives. The victims in these incidents had attended events organized by local groups, churches, and individuals who promised food and cash handouts to ease economic hardships.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has seen a surge in charity events as local organizations try to provide relief during the holiday season. However, the deadly stampedes have led to growing calls for the government to enforce safety measures at such gatherings. Police have also mandated that event organizers obtain official permission before hosting such events to prevent further tragedies.
These incidents highlight the need for better crowd management at charity events, especially in times of economic hardship when large crowds are eager to receive aid. Many people, struggling with the high cost of living, are increasingly turning to these events for food, clothing, and other forms of relief. With the growing number of these charity events, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize public safety to avoid more fatalities.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and concern across the country, with many questioning why more wasn’t done to prevent such a disaster. Calls for stricter regulation and better preparedness for crowd control have been echoed by many Nigerians, who are grieving the lives lost in these stampedes.
The incidents also serve as a stark reminder of the desperate situation many Nigerians face, as the nation grapples with severe economic challenges. The stampedes during these charity events are a reflection of the immense pressure on families who are struggling to meet basic needs. In response to the tragedy, many Nigerians are calling on both the government and event organizers to ensure that future charity events are better organized, with a focus on safety to prevent further loss of life.
While the authorities continue to investigate the stampedes, the deaths have brought attention to the need for greater oversight of public gatherings, particularly in times of economic crisis. These tragic events have underscored the importance of implementing proper crowd control measures and providing adequate security during charity events to prevent such disasters from recurring in the future.
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