Authorities reported on Sunday that a stampede outside a rice distribution center in southern Nigeria resulted in 22 deaths, marking the latest in a series of similar incidents in the country.
 
The crowd crush on Saturday in the town of Okija occurred on the same day as a separate stampede outside a church in the capital, Abuja, where food was being distributed to the "vulnerable and elderly," resulting in at least 10 deaths. In response to the twin tragedies, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu cleared his schedule.

A spokesperson for the Anambra state police extended condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in Okija.
 
"The investigation into the tragic incident is still ongoing," said Anambra police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement, confirming the death toll of 22.
 
Previously, police said "many" were killed in the incident. 

Abuja Stampede: 10 persons including four children dead - Police

The FCT Police Command has said no fewer than ten persons including four children lost their lives in stampede around Maitama, Abuja while struggling to grab Christmas palliative.

The Spokesperson of the command,… pic.twitter.com/KRvR4D9sBT

— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) December 21, 2024

Police reported that four children were among the 10 people killed in the Abuja stampede outside the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama district, adding that another eight people were injured in the crush.
 
"In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them," said President Tinubu. 
 
Saturday's incidents came just two days after a stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern city of Ibadan on Thursday, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children and left six others critically injured.