At least 13 people died in two incidents in Nigeria on Saturday (21) when crowds of mostly women and children gathered to receive charity, law enforcement officials said.
In the state capital, Abuja, at least 10 people were killed and many others injured in the fight to receive charitable gifts distributed by the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama district.
In Okija, Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria, another case of trampling occurred after a community member offered gifts including rice, vegetable oil and money.
State police said three people were confirmed dead, although witnesses and Amnesty International Nigeria put the death toll at 20, with more people injured.
In both incidents, the victims were mainly women and children, who were trampled as crowds tried to reach the provisions on offer.
On Thursday (19), in the capital of Oyo State, in southwestern Nigeria.
Africa’s most populous country faces its worst cost of living crisis in decades as reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu have reduced subsidies for electricity and fuel, while a currency devaluation cuts purchasing power.
Inflation in November rose to 34.60% year on year from 33.88% in October, marking the third consecutive monthly increase.
Amnesty International, in a statement on Saturday, said that for many Nigerians, “having regular rice at home is becoming a luxury.”
The London-based rights group called on authorities to quickly, thoroughly, independently and transparently investigate how these charity events ended in disaster.
