The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has expressed condolences to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and the families of the victims who lost their lives during a palliative distribution event on Saturday.
Chronicle NG reported that 10 people, including children, died, while eight others sustained injuries during a stampede at the church premises.
In a statement on Sunday titled “A Heartfelt Response to the Tragedy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church,” Okoh described the victims as “not just statistics” but as individuals whose deaths caused grief to their families.
Okoh cited previous stampedes in Oyo and Anambra States as evidence of the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events.
He urged Nigerians to show solidarity and compassion for the grieving families, highlighting our shared humanity in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The statement read, “This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Nigeria has experienced two other tragic stampedes this month. On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede claimed the lives of 35 children, leaving six others critically injured. The event, which aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children, is currently under investigation, with a focus on improving crowd control measures.
“Just days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event at a centre in Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least 22 people lost their lives, with 32 others injured. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the need for better organisation and safety measures during charitable events.
“In the face of these tragedies, we must come together to support the grieving families. It is vital to listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer assistance in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we work towards healing as a community.
“Together, we can honour the memory of those we have lost by committing to a future of hope, where every life matters and where we can gather safely and in peace, sharing in the abundance of resources that we, as a nation, can provide for one another.”
