At least four women were confirmed dead in a stampede during cash handout in northern Nigeria on Sunday.
Police reported the incident while investigating a hospital receiving five critically injured women.
This comes just days after a similar incident where two students died in a stampede for free rice.
The tragedy occurred in Bauchi city as a wealthy businessman distributed cash gifts for Ramadan.
Witnesses reported a large crowd exceeding expectations, leading to a scramble for money that triggered the stampede.
While police confirmed four deaths, other sources including Shafa Holdings staff and a security officer claim the death toll to be much higher at 17, with women and children among the victims.
This incident highlights the economic hardship Nigerians are facing. Soaring food prices due to government policies have pushed basic necessities out of reach for many.
This desperation likely contributed to the chaotic scene during the cash handout.
Nigeria’s economic crisis has led to people skipping meals and resorting to extreme measures like looting food stores.
The recent tragedies raise concerns about the growing desperation and need for solutions to the country’s economic woes.
