At least 23 dead in Nigeria after being crushed during food distribution

LAGOS December 22 (EP/DPA) –

At least 23 people died this Saturday in two separate incidents crushed by a human wave during several food distributions for the needy in Nigeria.

One of the incidents took place in the city of Okija, in Anambra state, in the south of the country, where there were at least thirteen deaths, according to local media.

The State Police spokesperson, Ikenga Tochukwu, stated in response to questions from journalists that an exact number of fatalities cannot yet be provided and that investigations are ongoing.

The other incident occurred during a food distribution at a church in which at least ten people died, including four children, as confirmed by Abuja Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh.

The tragedies took place three days after a similar incident in southwestern Nigeria, in which 35 children lost their lives.

In Nigeria it is customary to distribute food to the poor during the Christmas season. These events attract large crowds, and mass panic is repeated. In response to the recent Abuja incident, the city Police that any charitable activity that results in a large gathering must be notified in advance.

The increase in incidents during free food distribution is attributed to the deterioration of living conditions in the country. Given growing poverty, the number of people dependent on assistance has increased.