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ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) - At least 13 people, consisting of four kids, were killed in two separate stampedes in Nigeria as big crowds collected to collect food and clothing products dispersed at annual Christmas events, the cops stated Saturday.

The 2 accidents came days after another such stampede in Africa ´ s most populous nation, amidst a growing pattern by local companies, churches and people to organize charity events ahead of Christmas, as the nation has problem with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

Ten people were eliminated in the 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 statement, adding that more than 1,000 people have been evacuated from the church.

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

"The method they were rushing to get in, some individuals were falling and a few of them were old," Loveth Inyang, a witness. Inyang stated he managed to rescue one baby as his mother struggled in the surge.

Three individuals passed away in a similar crush later on in the southeastern Anambra state's Okija town at a charity drive organized by a benefactor, the state cops said.

"The occasion had actually not even begun when the rush started," cops representative Tochukwu Ikenga stated. There could be more deaths recorded as the occurrence, he stated.

Viral video footage that seemed from the Abuja scene revealed lifeless bodies resting on the ground as people shouted for assistance. Some of the injured have been dealt with and discharged while others continue to receive treatment, authorities said.

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

As the church held a marital relationship event after the crowd was evacuated, the misery and sadness remained palpable even as friends and families gathered for wedding photos.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu revealed his sympathy with the victims' households and asked states and relevant authorities to impose strict crowd control procedures.

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

After the latest catastrophe, the authorities in Abuja revealed that prior consent needs to be obtained before such fundraiser are arranged.

The existing financial difficulty under Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who promised "renewed hope" when he was sworn into office in May 2023, is blamed on surging inflation that is at a 28-year high and the federal government ´ s economic policies that have pressed the local currency to record low versus the dollar.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has caused mass demonstrations in recent months. In August, at least 20 people were shot dead and hundreds of others were jailed at protests demanding better chances and jobs for young individuals.