BREAKING : 10 die as another stampede hits Abuja Catholic Church 

Tragedy struck on Saturday morning  at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, as a major stampede left 10 persons dead, including four children. 

The ugly incident, which left several persons with varying degrees of injuries, occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly persons.

The FCT Police Command in a statement released by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident and sympathised with the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The tragedy comes on the heels of another similar incident in the early hours of Saturday in Okija, Anambra State, where many people were also confirmed dead.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Health Service and Environment in the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Babagana Adam, has expressed deep concerns over the Abuja stampede.

In a statement on Saturday, Adam said : “It is with deep sorrow that we report a tragic incident brought to our attention by Maitama District Hospital. A stampede claimed the lives of 10 individuals, who were brought in already deceased, while many others stay hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries. This devastating event underscores the urgent need for collective action to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

Stampedes are preventable, yet they continue to occur due to lapses in planning, crowd control, and emergency response systems. These incidents leave families grieving and communities devastated. We must act decisively and swiftly to ensure that such horrific events become outdated.

As a way forward, we are proposing the immediate and consistent issuance of press releases to sensitize the public and stakeholders about preventive measures and emergency protocols. Regular communication will not only raise awareness but also foster accountability, coordination, and vigilance in managing large gatherings.

We passionately appeal to all relevant authorities, stakeholders, and partners to adopt this suggestion as a critical step in addressing these incidents. Communication is a powerful tool, and through well-crafted press releases, we can educate, inform, and engage the public on steps to ensure safety in crowded situations.

Let this tragedy serve as a wake-up call for all of us. The lives lost cannot be brought back, but we can honor their memories by working tirelessly to prevent future occurrences. We urge the approval and implementation of this strategy without delay.

Together, we can save lives.”