The incident adds to a series of similar tragedies in recent weeks. Image: Pixabay
Seven people killed in a cash hand-out stampede
A stampede during a cash hand-out event in Nigeria has resulted in the loss of seven lives, including that of an eight-year-old girl.
The incident adds to a series of similar tragedies in recent weeks. Image: Pixabay
On Sunday a businessman in Bauchi state in Nigeria invited residents to collect 5 000 naira (R65) each as a charitable gesture. The cash hand-out subsequently attracted a large crowd.
Events like these are often held during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan – when Muslims are encouraged to be charitable.
“Before you knew it things got out of hand”, a local journalist told the BBC.
Men reluctant to attend cash hand-out events
Economic hardships in Nigeria have driven many individuals to seek assistance. Five thousand naira is a significant sum of money that could support an average family for a day.
Four adult women and three girls – aged between eight and 55 – were killed in the stampede in the Jos Road area of Bauchi city, according to police.
Some locals however claim that the number of casualties could be higher. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede is currently underway.
Typically, women attend these kind of events as men are wary of being associated with charity hand-outs.
Babangida Adamu, a local who lost his teenage daughter Aisha in the crush, recalled hearing the devasating news.
“She has never attended such events before yesterday and she went with some people,” he said.
“I was sitting when a girl came to me crying that I should rush to the hospital. On reaching there I learned my daughter has died. We buried her alongside other victims on Sunday.”
Similar incidents
No statement has yet been issued by the event organiser, Alhaji Yakubu Maishanu, who is known for his philanthropic endeavors. He organised the charity handout in front of his office.
The incident adds to a series of similar tragedies in Nigeria in recent weeks, including rice hand-outs in central Nigeria and Lagos.
Rising food prices and the discontinuation of fuel subsidies by the Nigerian government has left many families in financial ruin, as wages fail to keep pace with inflation.
