Two middle-aged women, yesterday, died, in a stampede while struggling to receive Ramadan gifts at a mosque near Five Star Bus, on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

A pregnant woman also went into forced labour and delivered a set of twins in the process.

According to a witness, the mosque usually provides gifts to those who visit it at the beginning of Ramadan fast.

This year’s Ramadan starts on Wednesday, March 23, 2023.

According to a witness, the mosque usually provides gifts to those who visit it at the beginning of Ramadan fast.

This year’s Ramadan starts on Wednesday, March 23, 2023.

He said: “It is quite unfortunate. But, it is important to note that most of them are not regular Muslims, who attend Jumat prayers in this mosque.”

He disclosed no fewer than 3,000 persons besieged the mosque in anticipation of receiving the yearly Ramadan gifts, usually dished out by the leadership of the mosque, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), especially as the Naira scarcity bites harder.

He revealed that as early as 9.00am, some residents had gathered at the mosque gate to receive the gifts.

Meanwhile, the management of the mosque had addressed the crowd on the need to be patient and orderly. They were advised to portray themselves as good Muslims and Nigerians, as some of them were non-Muslims.

“But immediately the gate was opened, they began to push themselves to gain access into the premises. In the process, two people lost their lives, while others sustain various degrees of injuries,” he said.

Guardian