Amnesty International has raised an alarm over fatal stampedes at Christmas palliatives venue that claimed over 60 lives, lamenting that millions of Nigerians are on the brink of starvation and deep poverty under President Bola Tinubu’s watch.

“This week 65 people died across Nigeria at rice sharing stampedes: —Ibadan 35 children died — Okija 20 people died —Abuja 10 people died,” Amnesty International said in a statement on Saturday. “Millions of people are on the brink of starvation, widespread malnutrition and deep poverty.”

The human rights organisation called on Mr Tinubu’s government to address rising widespread hunger, poverty and unemployment in the country while calling for thorough investigations into various stampedes recorded in the past one week.

“President Bola Tinubu’s government must urgently prioritize addressing widespread hunger, higher unemployment and the rapidly falling standard of living,” Amnesty International said.

Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, said in a statement on Saturday that the president has cancelled his scheduled event in honour of the victims of the stampede.

This comes amid wave different fatal stampedes recorded at palliatives distribution venues in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja in the past one week.

Last week, about 35 children were killed in Ibadan while at least 38 people were confirmed dead on Saturday after rice-sharing activities led to stampedes in Anambra and Abuja.