• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - At least 13 people, including 4 kids, were eliminated in 2 different stampedes in Nigeria as large crowds collected to gather food and clothes items distributed at annual Christmas events, the authorities said Saturday.

The 2 accidents came days after another such stampede in Africa ´ s most populated country, amidst a growing trend by local companies, churches and individuals to organize charity events ahead of Christmas, as the nation battles with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

Ten people were eliminated 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 representative Josephine Adeh stated in a declaration, adding that more than 1,000 people have been evacuated from the church.

There was a crowd surge at one of the church gates, as lots attempted to enter the facilities at around 4 a.m., hours before the gift products were to be shared, witnesses stated, pointing out that some had been waiting considering that the previous night.

"The method 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 individuals died in a similar crush later in the southeastern Anambra state's Okija town at a fundraiser arranged by a philanthropist, the state cops stated.

"The event had not even started when the rush began," cops spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga stated. There might be more deaths recorded as officers examine the occurrence, he stated.

Viral video footage that seemed from the Abuja scene revealed lifeless bodies pushing the ground as people screamed for help. A few of the injured have actually 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 properties.

As the church held a marriage event after the crowd was left, the pain and unhappiness remained palpable even as friends and families collected for wedding pictures.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu revealed his compassion with the victims' households and asked states and pertinent authorities to implement rigorous crowd control measures.

The recent stampedes in Nigeria have raised questions about precaution in such events. Several children were eliminated on Wednesday this week when a local foundation arranged a well-attended funfair to distribute present items and food to kids in southwestern Oyo state.

After the most recent catastrophe, the police in Abuja announced that prior authorization must be acquired before such fundraiser are arranged.

The current financial challenge under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who promised "restored hope" when he was sworn into office in May 2023, is blamed on rising inflation that is at a 28-year high and the federal government ´ s financial policies that have pressed the regional currency to record low versus the dollar.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has actually resulted in mass demonstrations in current months. In August, at least 20 people were shot dead and numerous others were arrested at demonstrations demanding better and tasks for young people.