No fewer than 10 persons have been confirmed dead in a stampede that occurred during a food distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama area of Abuja.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, December 21, 2024, was confirmed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement, disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. when a crowd of over 1,000 people gathered to receive food items meant for the vulnerable and elderly in the nation’s capital.

Adeh noted that eight persons were injured during the stampede.

She stated: “This unfortunate event, which occurred at about 6:30 a.m., resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries.

“Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care.

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“The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.”

Adeh disclosed that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has visited the injured at the hospital to offer support and ensure proper care.

Adeh said: “The FCT Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. In a show of compassion and support.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.”

She added that to prevent similar tragedies, the command should be notified of any such events.

The police spokesperson stated: “All organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance.

“This notification is crucial for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.

“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence.”

The latest incident comes a few days after 35 children were confirmed dead in a stampede at a school in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The Star