Tragedy struck in Nigeria as two separate incidents resulted in the loss of at least 13 lives, including four children. The first incident occurred in Abuja, where a stampede broke out at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama district during a Christmas charity event. Ten people died, and eight others were injured in the chaos, which began around 6:30 am.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people rushing to receive food, clothing, and other provisions. The stampede was so severe that it left many injured and traumatized. The victims were mostly women and children who were trampled in the rush.
“I was there to collect some food and clothes for my family,” said one eyewitness. “Suddenly, people started pushing and shoving. I saw a woman with a child on her back, and they both fell to the ground. I tried to help them, but it was too late. The crowd was too much, and I had to run for my life.”
In a separate incident in Okija, Anambra State, three people lost their lives in a crush at a charity event organized by a philanthropist. The event hadn’t even started when the crowd surged forward, resulting in the tragic loss of life. The victims were also mostly women and children.
The incidents have sparked widespread outrage and grief across Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu has canceled his official events in Lagos as a mark of respect for the victims and their families. In a statement, the President expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and urged Nigerians to remain calm and peaceful.
“This is a tragic and unfortunate incident,” said President Tinubu. “My heart goes out to the families of the victims. We will do everything in our power to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future.”
This tragic incident comes on the heels of a similar stampede that occurred at an Islamic high school in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of at least 32 people. Nigeria is currently grappling with its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, with soaring inflation rates and a devalued currency exacerbating the situation.
The economic crisis has left many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet, and charity events like the ones that turned tragic have become a lifeline for many. However, the incidents have raised questions about the safety and organization of such events.
“It’s a shame that people have to die while trying to collect food and clothes,” said a local resident. “The government needs to do more to address the economic crisis and ensure that people have access to basic necessities.”
Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into these incidents, emphasizing that the right to life and security of the person must be respected and protected. The organization also called on the government to take immediate action to address the economic crisis and ensure that Nigerians have access to basic necessities like food and shelter.
“The Nigerian government must take responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of its citizens,” said Amnesty International Nigeria. “These incidents are a wake-up call for the government to address the economic crisis and ensure that people have access to basic necessities.”
As Nigeria mourns the loss of life, there are calls for greater accountability and action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for effective crowd control measures, emergency response plans, and economic policies that prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians.
The government has promised to take action to address the economic crisis and ensure that such incidents do not happen again. However, for the families of the victims, the pain and grief will linger for a long time.
“We lost our daughter in the stampede,” said one grieving mother. “She was just 10 years old. We will never forget her, and we demand justice for her death.”
