A tragic stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, including children, with several others left injured.
Henzodaily understands that the chaos unfolded as thousands of residents gathered to receive palliative aid from the church.
The distribution event, aimed at alleviating the hardships of the local community, attracted over 3,000 people, many of whom were from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and nearby areas.
Eyewitnesses described the situation as chaotic, with many attendees arriving as early as 4:00 AM in hopes of securing their share of the aid.
The stampede occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the crowd surged forward, leading to the tragic loss of life. Among the victims, at least seven were children.
Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the incident, although details remain sketchy.
He also announced the suspension of the palliative distribution in the wake of the disaster.
According to Vanguard, one eyewitness, a mother of five, described the scene: “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.”
Security forces, including the police, military, and DSS, were dispatched to restore order, and the church grounds were gradually cleared as the crowd dispersed.
This incident follows a similar tragedy just days earlier in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s event led to the deaths of at least 35 children, highlighting the increasing danger posed by large-scale aid distribution events in the country.