At least 10 people, including children, have been reported dead following a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.
Several others sustained injuries as thousands of residents scrambled for palliatives distributed by the church.
The tragic incident occurred around 7:00 AM during an event aimed at providing relief to struggling residents from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.
Over 3,000 people reportedly gathered at the church premises, with many arriving before sunrise to secure their share of the aid.
An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking, noting that at least seven of the deceased were children.
“10 people have been reported dead, including children. We just received a call that they have passed on.
“Over 3,000 people came out to receive the palliative. It’s unfortunate. Some of them arrived as early as 4:00 AM. Most of those present were residents of Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.
“The stampede occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. The distribution of palliatives has been suspended indefinitely, and people are dispersing. May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm,” the eyewitness, a mother of five, said.
Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the incident, stating that the distribution has been suspended indefinitely. A combined team of police, military, and DSS officers was deployed to restore order, and the premises have since been cleared.
This tragedy comes in the wake of similar incidents in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Okija, Anambra State, where stampedes claimed multiple lives during public events. The recurring nature of these incidents has raised concerns about crowd management and safety measures during large gatherings.
Authorities and the church have expressed condolences to the bereaved families, with investigations expected to determine how the situation spiralled out of control.
