An ugly perspective to the prevailing hunger and poverty in the land manifested in both the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Anambra state, South-East Nigeria, at the weekend –barely four days to Christmas Day.
In both areas, scores of persons reportedly lost their lives during stampedes occasioned by jostling for space to collect food items during food distribution exercises.
In Abuja, FCT, an unspecified number of persons died in a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in high-brow Maitama.
Many of the victims were said to have come from other parts of the FCT.
It was learned that the incident occurred on Saturday morning as the church workers and others distributed food items to persons deemed vulnerable.
Many persons were also hospitalized.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent Josephine Adeh confirmed the development to newsmen.
Meanwhile, in Okija, Anambra state, at least 20 residents reportedly lost their lives in another stampede on Saturday at an event where rice, a staple in Nigeria, was being distributed.
A 50kg bag of Big Bull brand of rice presently costs about N130,000 in markets and shops.
A local media report quoted Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Anambra State governor, Mr Charles Aburime, as having confirmed the story even as he reportedly said that the government was monitoring the situation and would soon release a statement.
