Nigerian officials say at least 16 people were killed in stampedes when a half-million people were invited to apply for fewer than 5,000 government jobs.
Interior Minister Abba Moro said the deaths occurred at five locations around the country on Saturday. He said they "lost their lives through their impatience.''
Activists said the interior ministry had registered more then 500,000 people to take a test to qualify for 4,556 vacancies at the Nigeria Immigration Service.
There is a high level of unemployment in Nigeria, especially among young people. In 2011, it stood at 23.9 percent.
Interior Minister Abba Moro said the deaths occurred at five locations around the country on Saturday. He said they "lost their lives through their impatience.''
Activists said the interior ministry had registered more then 500,000 people to take a test to qualify for 4,556 vacancies at the Nigeria Immigration Service.
There is a high level of unemployment in Nigeria, especially among young people. In 2011, it stood at 23.9 percent.