A tragedy struck the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning, leaving at least 10 people dead and several others injured during a palliative distribution exercise. The church had organised the event to provide relief to residents of nearby communities struggling with the rising cost of living.
Eyewitness accounts reveal a chaotic scene as thousands of beneficiaries, eager to receive food and other essential items, surged forward. The crowd, which reportedly exceeded 3,000 people, included residents from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other low-income areas.
A Mother’s Desperate Account
One eyewitness, a mother of five who arrived at the venue as early as 4 a.m., described the ordeal as horrifying. “There were so many people, and everyone was desperate to get something. Before we knew it, people started falling and stepping on each other. It was terrible,” she recounted tearfully.
The stampede is said to have occurred between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., as the crowd grew increasingly restless. Tragically, among the deceased were children, whose fragile bodies could not withstand the crush.
Church Confirms Tragedy
Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the tragic incident. “Yes, it’s true, but we are still gathering details,” he said.
In response, the church has suspended all further palliative distribution activities. “Over 3,000 people came out for this event. It’s unfortunate that it ended this way. May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm,” Padre Umoh added solemnly.
Emergency Services Overwhelmed
As the disaster unfolded, emergency response teams struggled to manage the situation. Despite their efforts, several victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while others were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Mrs Nkechi Isa, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department, had yet to provide an official statement at the time of this report.
Security Forces Intervene
In the aftermath, a combined team of police, military personnel, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed to restore order. Security officers worked tirelessly to disperse the remaining crowd and prevent further chaos.
The church premises, once filled with hopeful beneficiaries, were soon cordoned off, leaving a somber atmosphere in the wake of the tragedy.
Stampedes: A Recurring Tragedy
This incident is the second of its kind in Nigeria within a week, highlighting the dangers associated with large-scale distribution events.
Just days earlier, in Ibadan, Oyo State, a similar stampede claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others critically injured. The event, held at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, drew over 5,000 children to receive food and gifts.
Eyewitnesses from the Ibadan tragedy described an eerily similar scene: a massive crowd, insufficient crowd control, and a surge that turned deadly.
Palliative Distribution: A Growing Challenge
As economic hardships deepen across Nigeria, palliative distribution exercises have become a lifeline for many. However, the lack of adequate planning and security measures often results in chaos.
According to analysts, the government and religious organisations must collaborate to implement stricter safety protocols during such events.
Lessons for the Future
As investigations into the Abuja stampede continue, experts have suggested several measures to prevent such occurrences:
- Advance Registration: Beneficiaries should register ahead of time to reduce on-site crowding.
- Security Presence: Police and emergency services must be present from the start of any large-scale distribution.
- Smaller Groups: Distribution should be conducted in smaller batches to maintain order.
- Communication: Clear instructions and crowd-control measures should be communicated to attendees.
