Stampede at Abuja Church Leaves 10 Dead, Including Children – See Details
GoldenNewsNg reports that a tragic stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including seven children, on the morning of Saturday, December 21.
The stampede occurred during the distribution of palliatives to residents from nearby settlements. Over 3,000 people reportedly gathered for the relief program, aimed at assisting struggling residents. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many attendees arriving as early as 4:00 AM to secure their share.
The tragedy unfolded between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the crowd surged forward, leading to the devastating loss of life.
Church and Authorities Respond
Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the incident and announced an immediate suspension of the palliative distribution. Security forces, including the police, military, and DSS officers, were deployed to restore order and disperse the crowd.
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This heartbreaking incident follows a similar stampede earlier this week in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 35 children lost their lives at a funfair event. These repeated tragedies raise critical questions about safety measures and crowd management at public events, especially those aimed at providing aid or entertainment.
The events have sparked widespread calls for improved planning and crowd control at such gatherings to prevent further loss of life. The recurring nature of these incidents underscores the urgent need for stricter safety protocols and better event management practices to ensure the safety of participants.
The affected families are in mourning as the nation grapples with yet another preventable tragedy.
