According to reports, a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning claimed the lives of at least ten persons and injured several more.
The catastrophe happened while thousands of locals rushed to get the church’s palliatives.
Over 3,000 individuals attended the event, which was planned to help low-income locals. The majority of attendees came from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other surrounding communities.
The unfortunate occurrence was confirmed by Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, who also noted that the palliative handout had been suspended.
“Yes, but the details are hazy,” he said.
“At least seven of the dead were children,” according to an eyewitness who described the scene as “chaotic and heartbreaking.”
In an attempt to get their fair share of palliatives, numerous attendees arrived as early as 4:00 AM. The mob surged forward between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning, causing the stampede.
As a mother of five, the eyewitness prayed, “May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm.”
To bring order back and disperse the throng, a team of police, military, and DSS officers responded to the turmoil. Initially crowded with nervous beneficiaries, the church grounds gradually cleared as security guards enforced the suspension.
Recall how at least 35 children were killed and six others were gravely injured in a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, just a few days ago.
