ABUJA, (AP) - At least 13 individuals, including 4 children, were killed in two different stampedes in Nigeria as large crowds collected to gather food and clothing items distributed at yearly Christmas occasions, the authorities stated Saturday.

The two mishaps came days after another such stampede in Africa ´ s most populated nation, amidst a growing pattern by regional companies, churches and individuals to organize fundraiser ahead of Christmas, as the nation fights with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

Ten individuals 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, authorities representative Josephine Adeh stated in a statement, adding that more than 1,000 individuals have been left from the church.

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

"The method they were hurrying to go into, some people were falling and some of them were old," Loveth Inyang, a witness. Inyang said he handled to save one baby as his mom struggled in the surge.

Three individuals passed away in a comparable crush later in the southeastern Anambra state's Okija town at a fundraiser arranged by a benefactor, the state authorities stated.

"The occasion had actually not even begun when the rush began," authorities representative Tochukwu Ikenga stated. There might be more deaths recorded as officers examine the event, he stated.

Viral video footage that appeared to be from the Abuja scene revealed lifeless bodies lying on the ground as people shouted for help. Some of the hurt have actually been treated and released while others continue to receive healthcare, police stated.

The church canceled the charity event with bags of rice and clothes products still set up within the premises.

As the church held a marital relationship ceremony after the crowd was evacuated, the agony and unhappiness remained palpable even as friends and families collected for wedding pictures.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu expressed his sympathy with the victims' families and asked states and relevant authorities to implement strict crowd control measures.

The recent stampedes in Nigeria have actually raised questions about security measures in such events. Several kids were killed on Wednesday today when a local foundation arranged a well-attended funfair to disperse present products and food to kids in southwestern Oyo state.

After the most recent catastrophe, the police in Abuja revealed that previous permission must be acquired before such fundraiser are arranged.

The current financial challenge under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who guaranteed "restored hope" when he was sworn into office in May 2023, is blamed on rising inflation that is at a 28-year high and the government ´ s financial policies that have pressed the regional currency to tape low against the dollar.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has caused mass demonstrations in recent months. In August, at least 20 individuals were shot dead and numerous others were detained at demonstrations requiring better opportunities and jobs for youths.