Tragedy struck in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday as a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including children, while leaving many others injured. The incident occurred during the distribution of palliatives meant to provide relief to struggling residents.
The program, which drew a crowd of over 3,000 individuals primarily from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby areas, took a fatal turn as attendees surged forward to collect the items. Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the unfortunate event but noted that details were still emerging.
An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, revealing that the majority of the casualties were children. Many attendees reportedly arrived as early as 4:00 AM in hopes of receiving the palliatives. The stampede occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the crowd grew uncontrollable.
"At least 10 people, including children, have died. We received a call confirming their deaths. Over 3,000 people came to collect palliatives, most of them from Mpape and nearby settlements. The stampede was tragic, and the distribution has been indefinitely suspended," said a witness and mother of five.
In response to the incident, security forces, including police, military, and DSS officers, were deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order. The church premises, previously filled with anxious beneficiaries, were eventually cleared under the supervision of security personnel.
This tragic incident follows a similar occurrence in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair resulted in the deaths of over 35 children and left six others critically injured. That event, held at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, attracted more than 5,000 attendees and turned fatal during the distribution of food and gifts.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may measures be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Source: Vanguard
