A minimum of 10 people, including children, are feared dead, with several others injured following a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on the morning of Saturday, December 21.
The chaos unfolded as thousands of residents rushed to collect palliatives being distributed by the church.
The event, intended to provide relief to struggling community members, attracted over 3,000 people, mainly from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and surrounding areas.
Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the tragic incident and announced the suspension of the palliative distribution.
“Yes it’s true but with sketchy details,” Umoh said.
An eyewitness recounted the scene as both chaotic and heartbreaking, with reports indicating that at least seven of the victims were children.
Many attendees had arrived as early as 4:00 AM, eager to secure palliatives.
The stampede took place between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the crowd surged uncontrollably.
“10 people have been reported dead, including children. We just received a call that they have passed on.
“Over 3,000 people came out to receive the palliative. It’s unfortunate. Some of them arrived as early as 4:00 AM. Most of those present were residents of Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.
“The stampede occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. The distribution of palliatives has been suspended indefinitely, and people are dispersing. May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm,” the eyewitness said.
In an effort to regain control, a joint team of police, military, and DSS officers was swiftly deployed to restore order and disperse the crowd.
As security personnel enforced the suspension of the event, the church premises, once filled with anxious attendees, gradually cleared.
This tragedy echoes a similar one that occurred just days earlier in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left six others critically injured.
The incident, which took place at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, unfolded when over 5,000 children rushed to collect food and gifts distributed by the organizers.