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A stampede during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday has resulted in the deaths of ten worshipers and left eight others injured.
The tragic incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. and claimed the lives of ten people, including four children. Eight others sustained various degrees of injury.
Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the incident, expressing sympathy with the families of the deceased and wishing a swift recovery to the injured.
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In a statement issued on Saturday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Command emphasized the need for organizers of public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings to notify the Police in advance. This measure is aimed at preventing similar unfortunate incidents in the future.
“This will allow 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 incident or loss of life resulting from their negligence.
“The FCT Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. Members of the public are encouraged to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room via 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234”.
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At least 17 people were confirmed dead and several others sustained injuries at Okija, Ihiala local government area of Anambra State, following a stampede during the distribution of Christmas rice by officials of Obijackson Foundation on Saturday.
The incident happened at one of Obijackson Foundation facilities at Amarata, Ohalegbu village in Okija.
The Foundation has been distributing such gifts annually for many years and people in the entire Ihiala local government and other neighbouring communities always look forward to it.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims, mostly women and youths, had stationed themselves at the facility as early as 5am on Saturday, waiting for the distribution to begin at daybreak.
The eyewitness said that the crowd became uncontrollable when the distribution began, as they rushed to collect the rice, leading to the stampede.
The dead bodies and those who sustained injuries were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala. In a viral video, dead bodies, including pregnant women, littered the vicinity of the hospital’s mortuary.
The video also showed chaotic scenes of people rushing to escape, with some trying to revive those who fell unconsciously.
The state police command is yet to confirm the incident, but many relatives of the victims were seen sobbing uncontrollably.
