At least 13 people have tragically lost their lives in two separate crowd crush incidents in Nigeria on Saturday.
In Abuja, the capital city, a stampede occurred during a charity event organized by the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including four children, highlighted the desperate situation facing many Nigerians grappling with rising living costs.
A similar tragedy unfolded in Okija, Anambra state, where a community member offered gifts of rice, vegetable oil, and money. The ensuing scramble led to the deaths of at least three people, though some eyewitnesses and Amnesty International Nigeria reported a higher death toll of 20.
These incidents underscore the severe economic hardship faced by many Nigerians. President Bola Tinubu’s recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the currency, have significantly impacted the cost of living. Inflation has reached a staggering 34.60%, leaving many struggling to afford basic necessities.
Amnesty International Nigeria has called for prompt and thorough investigations into these tragic events, emphasizing the urgent need to address the root causes of this humanitarian crisis.