ABUJA, Nigeria — Tragedy has struck Nigeria as at least 67 people, many of them children, have died across three Christmas charity events this past week due to stampedes. This series of deadly incidents has occurred against the backdrop of the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, as families scramble for food amid deepening poverty and soaring inflation.
On Wednesday, 35 children were reported killed during a charity event in southwestern Oyo state. Just days later, on Saturday, 22 people died at another charity event in southeastern Anambra state, followed by the loss of 10 lives during an event organized by a church in the capital, Abuja. Each of these events attracted large crowds desperate for food and basic supplies, leading to tragic outcomes.
Nigeria is currently grappling with inflation hitting 28-year highs, reaching 34.6%, primarily due to government efforts to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment. “There is hunger in this Nigeria. Every Nigerian needs food,” said one grieving woman during a report by local Arise Television after the Abuja stampede.
The ripple effects of Nigeria's socioeconomic crises are severe, with over 63% of its population living below the poverty line, according to government statistics. Many families allocate up to 63% of their income just toward food, and unemployment rates remain alarming.
Loveth Iyang, who witnessed the stampede at the church event, noted, “Some of those who died had waited overnight outside the church to get aid.” The desperation was palpable as people braved the cold, hoping to secure food and clothing donations.
Unfortunately, the lack of safety and crowd control measures at these charity events has raised significant concerns. Incidents leading to deadly stampedes are not uncommon in Nigeria, often attributed to insufficient planning and oversight. “If organizers of such events brainstorm more, get professionals to advise them and have a budget for security, this can be prevented,” said Ademola Adetuberu from Barricade Executive Protection, emphasizing the need for improved organization at charity gatherings.
Police have sparked discussions around the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures. Following the recent fatalities, President Bola Tinubu directed authorities to hold event organizers accountable for lapses, enforcing the requirement for organizers to obtain permission for events. Yet, skepticism remains concerning the practicality of implementing such demands effectively.
Experts, including Cheta Nwanze, managing partner at SBM Intelligence, highlighted the less-than-adequate safety culture and stated, “People's incomes have been squeezed through the entire year. When they hear about food distribution, their natural instinct is to go.” This instinct, combined with Nigeria’s poor queue culture, has led to dangerous scenarios.
The community's response has been overwhelming. Numerous churches and organizations have ramped up their Christmas charity efforts to assist those impacted by the economic downturn. While these charitable events are driven by altruism, the unprecedented demand for basic goods complicates matters.
Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed his sorrow over the losses incurred during these incidents, calling them “a national tragedy.” He assured citizens of the government’s commitment to support the families of the victims, pledging assistance during this troubling time.
Despite lofty promises to improve conditions at such charitable events, critics argue the same issues reoccur time and again. Reliance on charity, especially during festive seasons, exemplifies the dire state of many Nigerians. “The average Nigerian has seen food go out of their reach,” warned Nwanze, foreseeing similarly tragic incidents if no concrete measures are instituted.
The interplay of economic hardship and the desperate search for food has created ripe conditions for such tragedies. Local charities must reflect on their operational structure and prioritize safety to prevent such catastrophic outcomes moving forward.
Overall, these tragic stampedes serve as stark reminders of the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to improve crowd safety and, more fundamentally, the urgent economic conditions faced by many Nigerians. Without substantial changes, such tragedies may sadly continue to recur.
