Nigeria was on Saturday thrown into mourning after separate stampedes during yuletide food distributions left 37 persons dead at a Catholic Church in Abuja and Okija in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.
Hundred of persons were also reported to have sustained different degrees of injuries from both incidents while distributing food to less privileged persons for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In the Okija incident, no fewer than 27 people were feared dead during a Christmas rice distribution event organised by a local foundation to aid the less privileged.
While the Abuja tragic incident occurred at the popular Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, with 10 persons killed as a result of the stampede.
According to reports, the Anambra stampede occurred at the annual charity event spearheaded by philanthropist and Chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ernest Obiejesi, known as Obijackson.
The food distribution turned deadly due to the overwhelming crowd at the venue of the event.
An eyewitness, who spoke to The Nation, described how the good intentions behind the event were overshadowed by the chaos that ensued.
The source confirmed a viral video showing the tragic scene and expressed disbelief over the actions of the crowd.
“Hunger has made some people ‘stupid’. Why were they fighting and rushing for rice that would have been enough for everyone, no matter how many people came?” the eyewitness said, adding that Obijackson’s Foundation has consistently provided excess rice every year, with people from neighboring states also benefiting. “The stampede was caused by impatience.”
Several injured victims were rushed to the local hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue.
It was gathered that the incident also affected the state government, as one aide to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo reportedly lost two relatives in the stampede.
The aide, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the local government, was deeply affected by the loss.
The state police public relations officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached for comment, but a senior police officer confirmed the incident.
“Yes, it’s true. The Commissioner of Police, Obono Itam, has already dispatched officers to the site,” the officer said, adding, “The stampede likely resulted from the crowd’s rush, but the command will begin an investigation immediately. It was a pure accident, and we deeply sympathize with the affected families.”
While in the Abuja incident, the 10 persons and many others were injured as a result of the stampede during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday.
The tragic incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. and claimed the lives of ten people, including four children. Eight others sustained various degrees of injury.
Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the incident, expressing sympathy with the families of the deceased and wishing a swift recovery to the injured.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Command emphasized the need for organizers of public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings to notify the Police in advance. This measure is aimed at preventing similar unfortunate incidents in the future.
“This will allow the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from their negligence.
“The FCT Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. Members of the public are encouraged to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room via 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234”.
