Stampedes During Food Distribution Claim at Least 30 Lives in Nigeria

Stampedes that occurred during food distribution events at two locations in Nigeria resulted in the deaths of at least 30 individuals on Saturday, Anadolu Agency reported.

In the town of Okija, located in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra state, 20 people lost their lives, while 10 others died at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama area of Abuja, the nation’s capital. These food distribution initiatives were organized by various private institutions aiming to alleviate economic struggles in the lead-up to Christmas celebrations.

Rescue sources reported that the victims, along with the injured, were transported to nearby hospitals.

These tragic incidents follow closely on the heels of a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children just days earlier.