A stampede during a cash handout event in central Nigeria resulted in the deaths of at least three women. The incident occurred on Tuesday at the official residence of Niger State governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, where thousands had gathered to receive 10,000 naira ($7.50) each. The event was organized to prevent a planned protest against the death of 37 artisanal miners in state custody two weeks prior.
The cash distribution was intended to quell growing unrest in Niger State following the tragic death of the artisanal miners, who suffocated in a poorly ventilated cell. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests. According to a security report prepared for the UN, the miners' deaths have rocked the state in recent weeks. The report also noted that such cash distributions are sometimes used to buy votes.
Nigeria is currently experiencing a severe cost-of-living crisis and economic downturn, which has pushed millions into poverty. The country has been grappling with soaring food prices since 2023, when the government withdrew a major petrol subsidy and floated the naira currency. These economic reforms, although long overdue, have caused significant hardship for many Nigerians.
The stampede resulted in six injured victims being brought to the state-run Minna General Hospital, along with the three deceased women. A paramedic at the hospital confirmed that all the dead bodies were women. The UN security report, however, reported a higher death toll of five. Authorities are still gathering details of the incident, according to a police spokesman.
The incident is not an isolated case, as deadly stampedes during cash distributions are frequent in Nigeria. Such events are often used alongside food handouts to influence voters. With the country set to go to the polls in January, concerns are rising about the potential for further such incidents. In recent years, Nigeria has seen several tragic incidents, including a Christmas fair crush in Ibadan that killed 35 children.
Economic hardship remains a significant challenge for Nigeria, with 63 percent of the population living below the poverty line, according to the IMF. Inflation, although eased, remains high at just above 15 percent in August, down from a peak of over 30 percent during the worst of the cost-of-living crisis. Many basic items remain unaffordable for millions of Nigerians.
A father of an injured girl expressed his concerns, stating that his 15-year-old daughter was injured in the crush and is currently in a coma. The incident has once again highlighted the need for the government to address the underlying issues driving poverty and economic hardship in the country. Authorities must also take measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
Key points
- At least three women died in a stampede during a cash handout event in central Nigeria.
- The incident was organized to prevent a planned protest against the death of 37 artisanal miners in state custody.
- Nigeria is experiencing a severe cost-of-living crisis and economic downturn, pushing millions into poverty.
