Confusion and tragedy struck Abuja on Saturday, December 21, as a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama claimed at least 10 lives, with several others injured.
The stampede occurred during the distribution of palliatives by the church, which had attracted a large number of residents, including families from Mpape, Gishiri, and other resettlement areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Witnesses reported that the incident happened between 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., with both children and adults among the victims.
The FCT Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, who expressed sympathy for the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a swift recovery.
To prevent such tragedies in the future, Adeh emphasized the need for organizations, groups, and individuals planning public events or charitable activities to notify the FCT Police Command in advance.
“This will enable the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies,” she said. “Failure to comply with this directive will result in organizers being held liable for any loss of life resulting from their negligence.”
Adeh assured the public of the police command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging compliance with the directive.
This incident follows a similar tragedy just three days earlier in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 35 children died, and several others were injured during a stampede at a children’s Christmas funfair.
