At least 67 people are reported dead from stampedes during Christmas charity events across Nigeria, highlighting the grim state of the nation and its struggle during one of the most challenging economic crises seen in generations. These tragic incidents are the result of overwhelming desperation as families flocked to food distribution events amid soaring inflation and scarcity.
The chaos erupted on December 22 and 23, 2023, with the deadliest incidents occurring at two separate charity events — one organized by the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja and the other by a philanthropist distributing aid in Okija, Anambra state. Tragically, many of the victims were children, demonstrating the dire circumstances affecting Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
Reports indicate at least 35 children perished at the earlier events last week, combined with 22 deaths from the Anambra food distribution and 10 from the church's charity event. The local police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, reported how desperate attendees collapsed as crowds surged for access to food items. "The event had not even started when the rush began," he stated, giving insight to the chaos.
Witness Loveth Inyang recounted their experience at the Abuja event, highlighting how individuals, some elderly and frail, were crushed as many sought entry long before food distribution was set to begin. "The way they were rushing to enter, some people were falling and some of them were old," said Iyang, who described the scene as truly heartbreaking. It was reported many attendees had waited all night outside, hoping to secure the much-needed aid.
Aside from the loss of life, footage circulated on social media revealed the despair on the scene, with lifeless bodies strewn on the ground, evoking outrage and concern over safety regulations for large gatherings. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has since expressed his condolences, urging local authorities to adopt stringent safety protocols to manage crowd control and mitigate such disasters in the future.
The urgency for increase charity events, organized by various institutions, churches, and philanthropists, stems from Nigeria's crippling economic conditions exacerbated by recent policies. Inflation has reached 34.6%, the highest it has been for 28 years. Local statistics suggest more than 63% of Nigeria’s 210 million residents live below the poverty line. "Every Nigerian needs food," echoed a distressed woman to Arise television following the stampedes, summing up the anguish faced by families across the country.
This widespread desperation stems from systemic government failures to create jobs or maintain affordable living conditions. Cheta Nwanze, managing partner of SBM Intelligence, cautioned, "The average Nigerian has seen food go out of their reach." Stagnant wages, coupled with rising prices, mean families often spend up to 63% of their income on food, creating desperation and prompting risky behavior as many seek assistance.
Analysts argued this desperation complicates crowd control, as protocols for mass gatherings often take a backseat when hunger looms large. "When they hear somewhere food is being distributed, their natural instinct is to go," added Nwanze. The ensuing crowds can create fatal situations, as was witnessed last week.
Following the recent tragedies, the Nigerian police announced mandatory regulations requiring event organizers to secure prior permission before hosting large gatherings. Regrettably, such measures often lack enforcement, leading to repeated tragedies over the years associated with inadequate safety measures at charity events. Organizers must prioritize safety and leverage professional security, warned Ademola Adetuberu, who leads Barricade Executive Protection, emphasizing the need for proper planning and budgeting.
Despite promises of “renewed hope” from President Tinubu post-inauguration, the current administration's policies have thrust many Nigerians still struggling against prevailing inflation and high unemployment to the brink of desperation. The social unrest and public protests demanding swift and effective government actions demonstrate deep-rooted frustration. Last August, over 20 individuals lost their lives at protests highlighting the quest for job opportunities and improved living conditions.
The Christmas charity events, typically regarded as moments of hope and community, turned tragic this year as overwhelmed resources and catastrophic management culminated to create chaos. Families across Nigeria will mourn not only the victims of the stampede but the broader hardships of living amid systemic failures and economic crises.
This disastrous spelling out of events serves as both a stark reality of the nation’s struggles and a reminder of the urgent need for improvement and reform to forge paths toward stability at times deemed sacred and hopeful.
