Nigeria: Four dead in $3 cash giveaway stampede

Authorities in Nigeria said at least four women were killed after a stampede erupted as a businessman was organizing a cash giveaway event. According to BBC, the fatal Sunday incident occurred in the northeastern state of Bauchi.

A 17-year-old girl also sustained an injury as the struggling crowd attempted to get their share of the money. Other reports also state that more than four people were killed in the stampede. 

The crowd had gathered to receive 5,000 naira ($3) each from the businessman to enable them to buy food as they observe the Ramadan season, AFP reported. The economic challenges being experienced by Nigerians have been persistent for months as the price of food and other items keeps rising.

Muslims the world over observe the Holy Month of Ramadan every year. They fast, give alms, and pray to strengthen their faith. It is compulsory for all able-bodied Muslims to fast. Each region has its own culture and history deeply rooted in the observance of Ramadan.

Ramadan is observed yearly during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and it occurs within 30 days after the sighting of the new moon, which marks the month the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed in AD 610.

Although the basis for the observance of Ramadam around the world is the same, every region has its unique way of observing the Holy month. This year’s Ramadan in Nigeria started on Monday, March, 11. The fasting is expected to end on April 9. 

Sunday’s incident also adds up to another fatal stampede that occurred at a university in the West African nation. That incident occurred at Nasarawa State University on Friday, and the crowd had gathered to receive free rice. Two students died in that stampede. 

In February, at least seven people separately died in Lagos after a crowd gathered to buy cheap rice. The country’s Customs Service was selling the rice. Police have also cautioned against organizing these kinds of events without the correct crowd control measures from authorities, BBC reported.