ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - At least 13 individuals, including four kids, were killed in two separate stampedes in Nigeria as large crowds collected to gather food and clothing items distributed at annual Christmas events, the authorities stated Saturday.

The two mishaps came days after another such stampede in Africa ´ s most populated nation, amidst a growing trend by local organizations, churches and individuals to arrange fundraiser ahead of Christmas, as the nation battles with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

Ten people were killed in the very 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 stated in a declaration, including that more than 1,000 people have actually been left from the church.

There was a crowd rise at one of the church gates, as lots tried to get in the facilities at around 4 a.m., hours before the gift items were to be shared, witnesses stated, explaining that some had been waiting given that the previous night.

"The way they were rushing to go into, some people were falling and a few of them were old," Loveth Inyang, a witness. Inyang said he managed to rescue one infant as his mom struggled in the surge.

Three individuals passed away in a similar crush later on in the southeastern Anambra state's Okija town at a charity occasion arranged by a philanthropist, the state police said.

"The event had not even started when the rush began," cops spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga stated. There could be more deaths recorded as officers investigate the event, he stated.

Viral video that seemed from the Abuja scene revealed lifeless bodies resting on the ground as individuals yelled for help. A few of the hurt have been dealt with and discharged while others continue to receive medical care, police said.

The church canceled the charity occasion with bags of rice and clothes products still arranged within the facilities.

As the church held a marital relationship event after the crowd was left, the pain and unhappiness stayed palpable even as families and pals collected for wedding event photos.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu expressed his sympathy with the victims' families and asked states and appropriate authorities to enforce stringent crowd control measures.

The recent stampedes in Nigeria have actually raised concerns about security measures in such events. Several children were eliminated on Wednesday this week when a local foundation arranged a well-attended funfair to disperse gift products and food to kids in southwestern Oyo state.

After the current catastrophe, the authorities in Abuja announced that previous approval should be acquired before such charity drive are arranged.

The current financial challenge under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who guaranteed "renewed hope" when he was sworn into workplace 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 local currency to tape low versus the dollar.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has actually led to mass demonstrations in recent months. In August, at least 20 individuals were shot dead and hundreds of others were apprehended at demonstrations requiring better opportunities and jobs for young individuals.