Wike issues directive on Abuja stampede victims

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has instructed government hospitals to offer free medical treatment to individuals injured in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.

The directive was conveyed in a statement signed by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, on Saturday.

The tragic event, which occurred around 6:30 a.m. during the distribution of food items to the less privileged and elderly by the church, claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals, including children, and left 10 others injured.

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Wike assured that the FCT Administration would ensure the injured receive proper medical care. While expressing his condolences to the victims and their families, the minister also directed that individuals or organizations planning public distributions of food or cash must now obtain police approval to prevent future incidents.

“This incident is truly painful,” Wike said, adding prayers for the repose of the deceased and strength for their grieving families. He also praised the quick response of the police and other security agencies, describing their intervention as “commendable.”

The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) also extended condolences to the victims. Acting Director General Abdulrahman Mohammed confirmed that nine of the 10 injured victims treated at Maitama District Hospital had been discharged.

Mohammed called on organizations planning similar charitable activities to coordinate with security agencies or FEMD for proper arrangements to safeguard beneficiaries. He recommended the use of coupons and dividing recipients into smaller groups to prevent overcrowding and chaos.

In addition, the FCT Police Command issued a statement mandating event organizers, religious bodies, and individuals to notify authorities ahead of large gatherings or public distributions to ensure adequate security.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, warned that failure to comply would result in organizers being held accountable for any incidents stemming from negligence.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has cautioned against poorly organized palliative distributions. Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi noted during a media briefing in Abuja that such events have increasingly led to injuries and fatalities.

Adejobi emphasized the importance of planning and security to prevent further tragedies, particularly during events targeting vulnerable citizens.