The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has fiercely criticized security operatives for what he called the “verbal demonization” of the Catholic Church following a tragic stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.
The incident, which occurred during the distribution of palliatives organized by the church’s St. Vincent de Paul group, resulted in the deaths of ten individuals. Rather than addressing the root causes of the tragedy or offering support, Kaigama accused government agents of targeting the Church with unfounded criminal allegations.
Archbishop Kaigama expressed his disappointment in a strongly-worded message titled “Christmas: A Season of Hope and Renewal.” He described the government’s approach as “uninspiring, unfriendly, and a misplaced zeal.”
“The detention of our priest, along with other church officials, and the threat of criminal charges, is to say the least, a distraction from what truly matters,” Kaigama said. “These actions beg the question: What purpose are they meant to serve?”
The cleric revealed that volunteers who sought to alleviate hunger in their community were left traumatized by the tragic events. “None of those agents shouting criminal charges at the church cared about the emotional and mental disposition of these volunteers. Their only crime was daring to help feed the hungry,” he lamented.
Kaigama labeled these individuals as “the 2024 heroes of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja,” commending their courage and sacrifice.
The stampede, which unfolded as hundreds of people scrambled for food, highlighted the desperation facing many Nigerians amid rising poverty. The Church, Kaigama argued, sought only to provide relief to struggling families.
Instead of compassion, the Archbishop said, the government responded with hostility. “No official has come forward in the spirit of empathy to learn what happened or offer solutions to improve future outreach,” he said. “All one hears is that this sort of event must not be organized again without permission.”
The Archbishop used the tragedy as an opportunity to address broader issues plaguing the nation. He called for Nigerian leaders to adopt governance marked by compassion and equity.
“Our leaders must avoid greed,” Kaigama urged. “The wealth and resources of the nation should not be hoarded by a few but should serve to alleviate poverty, improve education, create jobs, and provide affordable healthcare.”
Quoting biblical principles, he reminded leaders of their duty to serve the people with transparency and justice. “The Bible warns against leaders who neglect their responsibility to care for their people,” Kaigama said. “We must embrace this divine standard in governance.”
The Archbishop also reflected on the unique mix of joy and sorrow marking this Christmas season. Across Nigeria, similar tragedies have unfolded, from Ibadan to Okija and Suleja, where families face the daily struggle for survival.
“Christmas this year comes with a poignant blend of joy and solemn reflection,” Kaigama noted. “We deeply mourn the tragic loss of lives in our Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.”
Despite these shadows, he encouraged Nigerians to embrace the season’s message of hope and renewal. “Even in the darkest times, the light of Christ reminds us that hope is never lost,” he said.
Kaigama emphasized that the Catholic Church’s work remains focused on alleviating human suffering. He underscored the Church’s commitment to helping the less privileged, irrespective of criticism or setbacks.
“The joy of Christmas becomes real when we share it through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion,” he said. “Let us extend the love of Christ by reaching out to the less privileged, fostering unity in our communities, and offering support to those in need.”
He concluded by reaffirming the Church’s resolve to continue its mission, urging both government and citizens to work together to build a more equitable society.
For many, the Abuja tragedy underscores the urgent need to address systemic poverty and ensure the safety of humanitarian efforts. Kaigama’s strong words serve as a wake-up call for leaders to prioritize the well-being of their citizens over punitive measures.
“This incident should inspire us to do better, not to point fingers,” Kaigama said. “Let us use this moment to reflect on our shared humanity and the values that unite us as a nation.”
