A devastating stampede occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning, resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives and leaving several others injured. The incident happened during a palliative distribution event organized by the church to assist struggling residents of the Federal Capital Territory ¹.
According to eyewitnesses, the crowd, which included residents from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements, surged forward between 7 am and 8 am in a desperate bid to collect the relief items. The scene quickly turned chaotic, with people pushing and shoving, leading to many falling and getting trampled.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that 10 people, including four children, died in the stampede. Eight others were injured, with four already treated and discharged. The police have effectively evacuated the location and restored calm ¹.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that the police had been notified of the event but were not informed of the large crowd expected. She emphasized the importance of notifying the police before hosting large gatherings to ensure adequate security measures.
The incident has raised concerns over the management of public gatherings and safety protocols during relief distribution exercises. This is not the first time a stampede has occurred during a relief distribution event in Nigeria. Just days ago, a similar tragedy occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others critically injured.
The recurring nature of such incidents highlights the need for better planning, coordination, and security measures during public events. The police have urged organizers of public events to notify them in advance to ensure adequate security measures are in place.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has visited the injured in the hospital to provide support and assure proper care. The police have also extended their condolences to the families of the deceased.
The Holy Trinity Catholic Church has not released an official statement on the incident. However, the church’s decision to organize the palliative distribution event was aimed at assisting struggling residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the police have warned organizers of public events to take necessary precautions to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and security during public gatherings.
