ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - A minimum of 13 individuals, consisting of 4 children, were killed in 2 different stampedes in Nigeria as big crowds gathered to collect food and clothes products dispersed at annual Christmas events, the authorities stated Saturday.

The 2 mishaps came days after another such stampede in Africa ´ s most populated nation, in the middle of a growing pattern by regional companies, churches and individuals to arrange charity occasions ahead of Christmas, as the nation struggles with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

Ten people were eliminated in the first stampede in the early hours at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, an upmarket part of the capital, Abuja, cops spokesman Josephine Adeh stated in a declaration, adding that more than 1,000 individuals have been evacuated from the church.

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

"The way they were hurrying to enter, some individuals were falling and a few of them were old," Loveth Inyang, a witness. Inyang said he handled to save one child as his mom struggled in the rise.

Three individuals died in a comparable crush later on in the southeastern Anambra state's Okija town at a charity event organized by a benefactor, the state cops said.

"The occasion had actually not even begun when the rush began," police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said. There might be more deaths taped as officers investigate the event, he stated.

Viral video footage that seemed from the Abuja scene showed lifeless bodies resting on the ground as for assistance. Some of the injured have actually been dealt with and discharged while others continue to receive medical care, police said.

The church canceled the fundraiser with bags of rice and clothes products still organized within the facilities.

As the church held a marriage ceremony after the crowd was left, the pain and sadness remained palpable even as households and good friends collected for wedding pictures.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu revealed his sympathy with the victims' households and asked states and appropriate authorities to impose strict crowd control steps.

The recent stampedes in Nigeria have actually raised questions about security procedures in such events. Several children were eliminated on Wednesday this week when a regional structure organized a well-attended funfair to distribute present items and food to kids in southwestern Oyo state.

After the current catastrophe, the cops in Abuja announced that previous authorization needs to be gotten before such fundraiser are arranged.

The current economic hardship under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who promised "restored hope" when he was sworn into office in May 2023, is blamed on rising inflation that is at a 28-year high and the government ´ s economic policies that have actually pressed the regional currency to tape low versus the dollar.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has resulted in mass demonstrations in recent months. In August, at least 20 individuals were shot dead and numerous others were arrested at protests requiring better opportunities and tasks for youths.