Abuja Stampede: Clergy Arrested as Food Distribution Turns Fatal
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the parish priest and several officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, following a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals.
The incident occurred during the early hours of December 23, 2024, when a large crowd gathered at the church’s car park for the distribution of groceries to the underprivileged.
The surge led to a fatal stampede, claiming multiple lives, including those of children.
In response, the police detained the church’s parish priest and other officials involved in organizing the charity event.
This action has drawn criticism from religious leaders, notably the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, who described the arrests as “uninspiring, unfriendly, and a misplaced zeal.”
He emphasized the need for empathy and collaboration to prevent future tragedies, rather than punitive measures against those attempting to provide aid.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, as well as similar occurrences in Anambra and Oyo States, to determine the causes and prevent future occurrences.
These tragic events highlight the urgent need for improved crowd control measures and safety protocols during public distributions, especially amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, which have increased the demand for charitable assistance.