The death toll from stampedes during Christmas charity events in Nigeria has risen to 32, including at least four children.
Among the victims, 22 people lost their lives in the town of Okija, Anambra State, where a local philanthropist organized a food distribution event on Saturday. Another 10 people died in Abuja, the capital, during a similar event hosted by a church.
Police are currently investigating both tragedies, which occurred just days after another incident that claimed the lives of 35 children.
In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, there is a growing trend of local organizations, churches, and individuals hosting charity events before Christmas to alleviate economic hardships caused by the cost-of-living crisis.
Deadly stampedes have also occurred at church charity events in the past. In May 2022, 31 people died during such an event in Port Harcourt.
