Tragedy Strikes Abuja Church: 10 Killed in Stampede During Free Grocery Distribution :In a sorrowful turn of events, a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including seven children, on the morning of December 21, 2024. This incident unfolded during a charitable grocery distribution event aimed at aiding those hit hardest by Nigeria’s severe cost-of-living crisis.
The church had attracted thousands of desperate residents, some arriving as early as 4:00 AM, in hopes of receiving much-needed supplies. The situation escalated into chaos between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM as the crowd surged forward, leading to the tragic stampede. Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the incident, leading to the immediate suspension of the distribution for safety concerns. Security personnel, including police, military, and DSS officers, were quickly deployed to manage the aftermath and restore order.
This disaster echoes a recent tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed 35 young lives, with six others in critical condition. These consecutive tragedies have spotlighted the urgent need for improved crowd control and safety protocols at public events.
In response, President Bola Tinubu canceled all his official engagements in Lagos on December 21, including the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, as a mark of respect for the victims from both the Abuja and Anambra incidents. He has called upon state governments to implement stricter safety measures at public gatherings to avert future tragedies.
In the wake of the Abuja stampede, new regulations have been announced by the police, requiring event organizers to obtain prior permission for charity events to ensure adequate planning and crowd management. This comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, including high inflation rates and a devalued currency, intensifying public desperation for assistance.