The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the death of 10 people, including four children, following a stampede during a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 am when a crowd of over 1,000 individuals gathered to receive food items meant for the vulnerable and elderly. According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the police successfully evacuated the scene and restored order following the tragic event.
In a statement, Adeh said, “This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30 am, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries. Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care.”
The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force managed the evacuation of the crowd, which numbered over 1,000.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has visited the injured at the hospital to provide support and ensure proper care. Extending condolences to the families of the deceased, Adeh stated, “The FCT Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured.”
To prevent similar occurrences in the future, Adeh urged organizers of public events in the FCT to notify the police in advance to ensure adequate security measures. She warned that failure to do so would result in the organizers being held accountable for any incidents or loss of life.
“This notification is crucial for 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 incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence,” Adeh stated.
The Saturday incident comes only days after a similar tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left six critically injured.
The food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church was reportedly organized to provide relief to struggling residents, drawing people from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby communities.
