By Adeyemi Adekunle
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of 10 individuals, including four children, in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday, December 21. The stampede occurred during a food distribution event aimed at aiding vulnerable and elderly members of the community.
Josephine Adeh, the Police spokesperson, disclosed that eight others sustained injuries in the incident. While four of the injured have been treated and discharged, the remaining victims are still receiving medical care. The tragedy highlights the growing concerns over safety measures at public gatherings across Nigeria.
Authorities have urged organizers of public events, particularly those involving charitable distributions, to notify the police in advance to ensure adequate security measures are implemented. The police have warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in legal consequences, holding organizers accountable for negligence in case of similar incidents.
The FCT Police Command expressed condolences to the families of the victims and extended wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. “We deeply sympathize with all affected and reiterate our commitment to safeguarding public safety,” Adeh stated.
The incident in Maitama adds to a series of similar tragedies across the country. Just a day earlier, a rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State, resulted in a stampede that claimed several lives, primarily women.
Earlier in the week, a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, left 35 children dead in another stampede, sparking nationwide concerns over event management and crowd control.
The recurring nature of these tragedies has raised alarms about the lack of effective crowd control measures and adequate planning for large gatherings. Security experts and community leaders are calling for stringent regulations and oversight to prevent further loss of life.
As the festive season continues, authorities are urging Nigerians to exercise caution and prioritize safety during public events. For many, however, the pain of recent losses remains raw, casting a shadow over celebrations intended to bring joy.
