Tragic Stampede at Abuja Church Claims 10 Lives, Many Injured
A stampede during the distribution of free food items at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, including four children. The incident occurred around 6:30 AM and also left eight others with varying degrees of injuries, according to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The stampede took place during a charitable event organized to distribute free food to vulnerable and elderly individuals. The FCT Police Command confirmed the tragic event and expressed deep concern. Four of the injured victims have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are still receiving medical care.
The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force were able to evacuate the crowd, which numbered over a thousand people. The authorities have called for strict adherence to safety procedures at such events, including the mandatory notification of the police in advance for proper security arrangements.
In a statement, the FCT Police Command expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and comfort.
To prevent future tragedies, the Command has mandated that all organizations, religious groups, or individuals planning public events or charitable activities in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance. Failure to do so will result in the organizers being held accountable for any incidents or loss of life due to negligence.
The FCT Police Command has urged the public to cooperate with the police by following the guidelines for organizing events and promptly reporting emergencies to the FCT Control Room at the provided numbers.
