The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has verified that ten people, including four children, died in a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday during a food distribution.
According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh, the incident occurred about 6:30 a.m., when a crowd of over 1,000 people gathered to accept food items intended for the weak and old.
Adeh said that the police had effectively evacuated the location and restored calm.
The statement partly reads, “This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30 am, 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 stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, had visited the injured in the hospital to provide support and assure 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 further stated that in order to avoid repeat catastrophes, the command should be alerted of any such incidents.
Adeh cautioned that failing to comply would result in the organisers of such activities being held liable.
“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 organisers being held liable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence,” she said.
Just a few days before, a similar incident occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair killed at least 35 children and badly injured six more.
