ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - At least 13 people, consisting of four children, were killed in 2 different stampedes in Nigeria as big crowds gathered to gather food and clothing items dispersed at annual Christmas occasions, the police stated Saturday.
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The two mishaps came days after another such stampede in Africa ´ s most populated country, amid a growing trend by regional organizations, churches and people to arrange fundraiser ahead of Christmas, as the country struggles with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

Ten people were killed in the very first stampede in the early hours at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, an upmarket part of the capital, Abuja, cops spokesman Josephine Adeh said in a statement, including that more than 1,000 individuals have been evacuated from the church.

There was a crowd rise at one of the church gates, as lots attempted to go into the premises at around 4 a.m., hours before the gift products were to be shared, witnesses said, explaining that some had actually been waiting given that the previous night.

"The way they were hurrying to get in, some people were falling and a few of them were old," Loveth Inyang, a witness. Inyang said he managed to save one baby as his mom had a hard time in the surge.

Three people passed away in a comparable crush later in the southeastern Anambra state's Okija town at a charity drive arranged by a philanthropist, the state authorities stated.

"The event had not even started when the rush began," police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga said. There might be more deaths tape-recorded as officers examine the event, he stated.
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Viral footage that appeared to be from the Abuja scene showed lifeless the ground as people screamed for assistance. Some of the injured have been dealt with and discharged while others continue to get healthcare, police stated.

The church canceled the fundraiser with bags of rice and clothing products still arranged within the facilities.

As the church held a marriage event after the crowd was left, the agony and unhappiness remained palpable even as households and buddies collected for wedding event images.
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Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu revealed his compassion with the victims' households and asked states and appropriate authorities to enforce rigorous crowd control steps.

The recent stampedes in Nigeria have raised concerns about safety steps in such events. Several children were killed on Wednesday this week when a regional foundation arranged a well-attended funfair to disperse gift products and food to kids in southwestern Oyo state.

After the newest catastrophe, the police in Abuja revealed that prior approval must be obtained before such fundraiser are organized.

The current financial challenge under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who promised "renewed hope" when he was sworn into workplace in May 2023, is blamed on surging inflation that is at a 28-year high and the government ´ s economic policies that have actually pushed the regional currency to tape low versus the dollar.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has resulted in mass demonstrations in recent months. In August, a minimum of 20 individuals were shot dead and numerous others were jailed at protests demanding better opportunities and jobs for youths.