The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the parish priest and several officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, following a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including children.
The incident occurred during a grocery distribution event aimed at assisting the needy on December 23, 2024, when a large crowd surged towards the church’s gates, leading to chaos and fatalities.
Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrests, stating that the action was necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede. She emphasized that organizing such a large event without notifying the police is a serious oversight, especially given the tragic loss of life. After initial questioning, the arrested individuals were allowed to return home as the investigation continues.
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Abuja Diocese criticized the arrests, describing them as counterproductive and lacking compassion. In a Christmas message, he urged the government to support the church and the victims’ families instead of pursuing legal action against church officials.
He expressed concern over the government’s response, suggesting that it should focus on improving safety measures for future events rather than threatening prosecution.
The stampede in Abuja is part of a larger pattern of similar incidents, with over 60 lives lost across three separate events in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states.
President Bola Tinubu has also commented on the situation, attributing the tragedies to poor planning by the event organisers.
Witnesses reported that the stampede began around 4 a.m. as thousands gathered for the distribution, with many refusing to queue, leading to a dangerous crush at the entrance. The police have since issued new guidelines for organizing large gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.
