Tragedy continues to spread across the country as more people die or sustain injuries at philanthropic programmes meant to show love for the less privileged, with the latest happening at a Christmas food sharing event organized by the Saint Vincent De Paul Society at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja. In the accident, no fewer than 10 people, including children, sustained injuries.
In the last couple of days scores have died from stampede at food sharing events. It happened in Ibadan, when the former wife of the Ooni of Ife organised a charity event earlier in the week. On Saturday, many also died from stampede at Okija, Anambra State at a charity event organised by the Chairman/Chief Executive of Nestoil Limited, Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi.
The latest of the tragedy in Abuja occurred during a stampede that took place in the early hours of Saturday, as a large crowd surged forward to receive palliatives. Over 3,000 people had gathered at the venue, many arriving as early as 4:00 am.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and tragic, with many people injured in the stampede.
The National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, confirmed the incident and announced that the palliative distribution had been suspended.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident and has confirmed that the FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force successfully evacuated the remaining crowd.
In a statement, the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said that the Command has mandated that all organizations planning public events or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, visited the victims in the hospital and offered assistance and reassurance. The FCT Police Command has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory.
