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Nigeria: At Least 48 Killed in Stampedes Amid Cost of Living Crisis

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In a tragic series of events, at least 48 people lost their lives this week in crowd stampedes across Nigeria. The incidents, which unfolded in various locations, highlight the growing desperation among citizens as the country’s cost of living crisis deepens.

President Bola Tinubu offered his condolences to the victims but said “operational lapses” from charitable organisations were in part to blame for the accidents

Abuja Stampede Claims 10 Lives

A stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, including four children, according to a statement issued by police spokesperson Josephine Adeh.

The tragic incident, which occurred around 6:30 am, left eight others with injuries of varying severity. Over 1,000 individuals were reported to have been evacuated from the church, where a scheduled event to distribute Christmas gifts was to take place later in the day.

A surge at one of the church gates was reported as the cause of the stampede, with dozens attempting to enter the premises hours before the distribution of gift items was set to begin. Witness accounts described chaotic scenes, with some individuals, including elderly participants, falling in the rush to gain entry.

“The way people were rushing to enter caused the situation,” stated Loveth Inyang, one of the witnesses. The event has raised concerns about crowd control measures and the safety protocols for such large gatherings.

Unclear Toll in Okija Stampede

In Okija, located in Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria, at least three individuals lost their lives in a stampede, according to state police. Eyewitness accounts confirmed the fatalities, but Amnesty International Nigeria reported a higher death toll of 20, with additional injuries sustained.

The victims, predominantly women and children, were trampled as crowds surged toward food provisions being distributed. The incident occurred at a community center during the distribution of rice, as stated by Ngozi Echeazu, an official from the National Emergency Management Agency in the region.

Ibadan Stampede Claims Dozens of Lives

In the southwestern city of Ibadan, 35 children were killed in a stampede earlier in the week at a school funfair. The event had been organized by a local foundation to distribute gift items and food to children in the area.

The tragic stampede was described by state authorities as resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged the event, stating that it had “led to multiple losses of lives and injuries.” Efforts are being made to investigate the circumstances and improve crowd safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Nigerians Struggle Amid Escalating Cost-of-Living Crisis

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is experiencing its most severe cost-of-living crisis in decades. The economic challenges have intensified under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, with surging inflation and economic policies contributing to significant hardship.

A statement released by Amnesty International Nigeria on Saturday highlighted the struggles faced by citizens, noting that basic food items, such as rice, have become unaffordable luxuries for many households.

Blame for the worsening conditions has been placed on inflation, which reached a 28-year high, and government policies that have caused the local currency to plummet to record lows against the dollar. The frustration caused by these economic hardships has led to widespread protests across the nation in recent months.

Promises of “renewed hope,” made during President Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023, have yet to materialize for many citizens. In November, inflation climbed to 34.6 percent, marking the third consecutive monthly increase and further exacerbating the crisis.

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