The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the death of 10 individuals, including four children, in a stampede that occurred during a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja on Saturday.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident happened around 6:30 am when a crowd of over 1,000 people gathered to receive food items meant for the vulnerable and elderly.
There was a similar situation at Okija in Anambra State early this morning where over 15 persons, mainly women were trampled to death, following the rush to collect free rice donated by a philanthropist.
The dead have been taken to a morgue in Okija to be deposited there.
Adeh noted that the police had successfully evacuated the scene and restored order.
The statement partly reads, “This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30am, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries.
“Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care.
“The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.”
She said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has visited the injured at the hospital to offer support and ensure proper care.
Adeh said, “The FCT Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. In a show of compassion and support, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.”
She added that to prevent similar tragedies, the command should be notified of any such events.
Adeh warned that failure to comply, organisers of such events would be held accountable.
“All organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance. This notification is crucial for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence,” she said.
At least 10 people have reportedly died, with many more injured in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.
Recall that only a few days ago, a similar incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left six others critically injured.
The Saturday incident occurred when residents scrambled to receive palliatives distributed by the church.
The event, organised to provide relief to struggling residents, reportedly drew residents mostly from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.
