10 people have been reportedly killed, with many injured following a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.
NewsBand understand that the incident occurred on Saturday morning when residents struggled to receive palliatives distributed by the religious organization.
The Church had organized the event to provide relief to poor residents.
However, things went out of control after residents mostly from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements stormed the location in their large number seeking palliatives.
The incident occurred between 7am and 8am when the crowd surged forward to receive the palliatives.
The development was confirmed in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Health Service and Environment in the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Babagana Adam.
He said the casualties were confirmed dead by Maitama District Hospital.
The statement reads, “It is with deep sorrow that we report a tragic incident brought to our attention by Maitama District Hospital. A stampede claimed the lives of 10 individuals, who were brought in already deceased, while many others stay hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries. This devastating event underscores the urgent need for collective action to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
“Stampedes are preventable, yet they continue to occur due to lapses in planning, crowd control, and emergency response systems. These incidents leave families grieving and communities devastated. We must act decisively and swiftly to ensure that such horrific events become outdated.
“As a way forward, we are proposing the immediate and consistent issuance of press releases to sensitize the public and stakeholders about preventive measures and emergency protocols. Regular communication will not only raise awareness but also foster accountability, coordination, and vigilance in managing large gatherings.
“We passionately appeal to all relevant authorities, stakeholders, and partners to adopt this suggestion as a critical step in addressing these incidents. Communication is a powerful tool, and through well-crafted press releases, we can educate, inform, and engage the public on steps to ensure safety in crowded situations.
“Let this tragedy serve as a wake-up call for all of us. The lives lost cannot be brought back, but we can honor their memories by working tirelessly to prevent future occurrences. We urge the approval and implementation of this strategy without delay.
“Together, we can save lives.”