ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - A minimum of 13 people, including four kids, were eliminated in 2 separate stampedes in Nigeria as big crowds gathered to gather food and clothes items distributed at annual Christmas occasions, the authorities stated Saturday.

The 2 mishaps came days after another such stampede in Africa ´ s most populous country, amidst a growing pattern by regional organizations, churches and individuals to arrange fundraiser ahead of Christmas, as the nation has problem 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, police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said in a declaration, adding that more than 1,000 people have actually been evacuated from the church.

There was a crowd surge at one of the church gates, as lots tried to enter the facilities at around 4 a.m., hours before the present items were to be shared, witnesses stated, pointing out that some had been waiting since the previous night.

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

Three individuals died in a comparable crush later on in the southeastern Anambra state's Okija town at a charity drive arranged by a benefactor, the state authorities said.

"The event had actually not even started when the rush started," police representative Tochukwu Ikenga stated. There could be more deaths recorded as officers examine the incident, he stated.

Viral video footage that appeared to be from the Abuja scene showed lifeless bodies lying on the ground as individuals shouted for assistance. A few of the injured have been dealt with and released while others continue to receive treatment, authorities said.

The church canceled the fundraiser with bags of rice and clothing items still organized within the properties.

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

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu revealed his compassion with the victims' families and asked states and relevant authorities to implement rigorous crowd control measures.

The recent stampedes in Nigeria have actually raised questions about precaution in such events. Several kids were eliminated on Wednesday this week when a regional foundation arranged a well-attended funfair to disperse gift items and food to kids in southwestern Oyo state.

After the most recent catastrophe, the authorities in Abuja revealed that prior authorization should be acquired before such charity occasions are arranged.

The current financial difficulty under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who promised "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 federal government ´ s financial policies that have pressed the local currency to tape low against the dollar.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has led to mass protests in current months. In August, a minimum of 20 individuals were shot dead and numerous others were detained at protests demanding better opportunities and tasks for young individuals.