The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command has confirmed the death of 10 people including four children in a stampede that occurred at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja on Saturday during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.
A statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, says the unfortunate incident which took place around 6.30am, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 people, including four children with eight others sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
Four of the injured victims have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care. AIT.live also confirmed that bodies of those who died in the stampede have been deposited at the Maitama General Hospital.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.
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The FCT 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 Olatunji Disu has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.
To prevent such tragic incidents in the future, the Command directs that 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.
The notification is crucial for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies and failure to comply with this directive will result in the organisers of such events being held liable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
