ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - At least 13 individuals, consisting of four kids, were eliminated in 2 different stampedes in Nigeria as big crowds collected to collect food and clothing items dispersed at yearly Christmas occasions, the authorities said Saturday.

The two mishaps came days after another such stampede in Africa ´ s most populous nation, amidst a growing pattern by local organizations, churches and individuals to organize charity events ahead of Christmas, as the country fights with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

Ten individuals were killed in the first stampede in the early hours at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, an upmarket part of the capital, Abuja, cops spokesperson Josephine Adeh said in a statement, adding that more than 1,000 people have been left from the church.

There was a crowd rise at one of the church gates, as dozens attempted to enter the facilities at around 4 a.m., hours before the gift items were to be shared, witnesses stated, pointing out that some had actually been waiting because the previous night.

"The method they were hurrying to get in, some people were falling and some of them were old," Loveth Inyang, a witness. Inyang stated he handled to save one infant as his mother struggled in the surge.

Three individuals passed away in a comparable crush later on in the southeastern Anambra state's Okija town at a charity drive organized by a philanthropist, the state cops stated.

"The occasion had actually not even begun when the rush began," Tochukwu Ikenga said. There could be more deaths recorded as officers investigate the occurrence, he stated.

Viral video footage that appeared to be from the Abuja scene showed lifeless bodies pushing the ground as individuals shouted for assistance. Some of the injured have actually been treated and released while others continue to receive treatment, authorities stated.

The church canceled the charity drive with bags of rice and clothing items still organized within the premises.

As the church held a wedding after the crowd was left, the pain and sadness remained palpable even as households and pals gathered for wedding event photos.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu revealed his compassion with the victims' families and asked states and pertinent authorities to enforce strict crowd control steps.

The recent stampedes in Nigeria have actually raised concerns about security steps in such occasions. Several children were killed on Wednesday today when a local structure organized a well-attended funfair to disperse present products and food to kids in southwestern Oyo state.

After the most current disaster, the police in Abuja revealed that prior authorization should be acquired before such fundraiser are arranged.

The present economic difficulty under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who guaranteed "renewed hope" when he was sworn into office in May 2023, is blamed on rising inflation that is at a 28-year high and the federal government ´ s economic policies that have pushed the regional currency to tape low against the dollar.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has led to mass demonstrations in current months. In August, at least 20 people were shot dead and numerous others were jailed at demonstrations demanding much better opportunities and tasks for young people.