A tragic stampede at Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC) in Aba, Abia State, claimed the lives of two women and left several others injured.
The incident occurred on Sunday, November 25, during the annual procession to mark the feast of Christ the King.
Witnesses described the event as a solemn gathering that quickly turned into chaos.
Security personnel reportedly blocked the entrance to the church, leading to a surge in the crowd.
In the commotion, several people fell, and panic ensued.
Two women lost their lives in the stampede despite being rushed to Mendel Hospital in Aba.
Hospital staff confirmed that the women succumbed to injuries sustained during the chaos.
A young boy, identified as Peter Clever, was among the injured and is currently receiving treatment at Victorious Hospital.
Peter recounted his experience with tears, saying, “I was at Blessed Iwene Tansi’s Parish for the procession. My mother went to St. Theresa’s Parish. Now, I don’t know how to find her.”
His emotional plea for help in locating his family has touched many hearts.
Eyewitnesses said the crowd had gathered to celebrate the procession, which is an annual tradition for Catholics worldwide.
The procession typically involves prayers, hymns, and public displays of faith.
A parishioner, Mrs. Nkechi Okoro, who narrowly escaped the stampede, expressed shock at the incident.
She said, “We came here to worship and celebrate, but it turned into a disaster. I can’t believe this happened.”
Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
Community leaders have also called for improved crowd control measures during large religious gatherings.
A security officer who was on duty during the event said the crowd was larger than expected.
He added, “We tried to manage the situation, but the pressure at the entrance was too much.”
The Christ the King procession is one of the most significant events in the Catholic calendar, drawing thousands of worshippers each year.
Sunday’s tragedy has cast a shadow over the celebrations, with many calling for reforms to prevent a recurrence.
Father Emmanuel Obi, a priest at one of the participating parishes, offered prayers for the victims and their families.
He said, “This is a dark day for our community. We pray for the souls of the departed and for healing for the injured.”
Many residents of Aba have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims.
The tragedy has sparked conversations about safety at public events, particularly in densely populated areas like Aba.
Experts say better planning and coordination are needed to handle large crowds during religious and social events.
A social commentator, Mr Olanrewaju Ishola, said, “This is a wake-up call. Authorities and event organizers must ensure that safety is prioritized above all else.”
The Aba community, known for its vibrant religious activities, is now mourning the loss of two of its members.
