The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the deaths of 10 people, including four children, in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.
The tragic incident occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals, leaving eight others injured, according to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.
Adeh disclosed that four of the injured victims have been treated and discharged, while others remain in critical care.
The stampede took place around 6:30 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force, who evacuated over 1,000 people from the scene.
“The FCT Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” Adeh said.
She added that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, visited the victims in the hospital to offer support and assistance.
Following the tragedy, the Police Command directed organizers of public events to notify authorities in advance to allow for adequate security measures.
Adeh warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in legal action against event organizers, holding them liable for any loss of life or injuries caused by negligence.
