Nigeria Stampedes: 67 Killed This Week In Rush For Free Food At Christmas Events

At least 32 people were killed in two separate stampedes on Saturday as large crowds gathered to collect food and clothing distributed at annual Christmas events in Nigeria. This brings the total number of stampede-related deaths in the West African country to 67 this week, as the cost-of-living crisis worsens.

The two incidents on Saturday followed another stampede earlier in the week that left 35 people dead at a school fair in the southwestern city of Ibadan. All the incidents involved the distribution of free food at charity events ahead of Christmas.

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Nigerian President Bola Tinubu offered his condolences to the victims but said "operational lapses" from charitable organisations were partly to blame for the accidents.

"In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones," he said.

Ibadan Stampede

In Ibadan, a total of 35 children were killed in a stampede on Wednesday, as thousands turned up on the promise of free food. The event was organised by a local radio station in partnership with a charity belonging to Queen Naomi Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, a prominent traditional monarch. The organisers reportedly announced that they would distribute food parcels to the first 5,000 who turned up. Many families traveled up to 90 minutes and arrived before sunrise to secure their spot, according to reports.

"Some people slept at the school gate a night before the event because they wanted to be among the first 5,000 that would be given access to the carnival. Before 06:30, the venue had recorded the estimated number," said Lanre Kadiri, the zonal coordinator of Nigeria's Emergency Management Agency, as quoted by BBC.

Several people, including the principal of the school, have been detained. According to media reports, the police also arrested Naomi Silekunola, as part of investigations into the stampede.

Abuja Stampede 

In the state capital Abuja, ten people were killed at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, police spokesman Josephine Adeh said in a statement.

"This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30 am, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries," she said. More than 1,000 people were evacuated from the church, which was scheduled to distribute Christmas gifts.

Viral footage that appeared to be from the scene showed lifeless bodies laying on the ground as people shouted for help.

Okija Stampede

A stampede in Okija, Anambra State, in southeastern Nigeria, resulted in at least 22 deaths. Earlier, the state police said three people had died, as confirmed by eyewitnesses. However, Amnesty International Nigeria had put the death toll at 20, with more injured.

In both the Abuja and Okija incidents, most victims were women and children who were trampled while attempting to reach the distributed items.

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Previous Incidents

In March, two students died, and at least 23 others were injured in a stampede for free bags of rice. Another incident that same month left four dead during a rush for cash gifts intended to help with food expenses.

The current economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu, who promised "renewed hope" when he was sworn into office in May 2023, is blamed on surging inflation that is at a 28-year high and the government's economic policies that have pushed the local currency to a record low against the dollar. Food and transportation costs have more than tripled in the country in last 18 months.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has led to mass protests in recent months. In August, at least 20 protesters were shot dead, and hundreds were arrested during demonstrations demanding better opportunities and jobs for young people.