Again, scores die in Abuja, Anambra stampedes

. Four children among the dead, several others seriously injured

. Police read riot act to Abuja event organisers

Barely three days after more than 40 were killed in a stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, no fewer than 10 persons, including four children died on Saturday in another incident that occurred during a food distribution event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.

Already, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the death of the victims. Several others were also seriously injured in the early morning stampede.

In yet another tragic event in Anambra State on Saturday morning, a yet-to-be ascertained number of persons were also feared dead while several others were also injured following a stampede that occurred at the gate of the Obijackson Centre, in Okija, in the Ihiala Local Government Area of the State.

Like in the Ibadan and Abuja tragedies, most victims of the Anambra stampede were Women and children struggling to collect palliatives.

Only three days ago, a similar incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 40 children and six others critically injured.

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the Abuja incident occurred at about 6:30 am when a crowd of over 1,000 people gathered to receive food items meant for the vulnerable and elderly.

The PPRO added that the police had successfully evacuated the scene and restored order.

The statement partly read, “This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30am, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries.

“Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care.

“The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.”

Adeh said the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has visited the injured at the hospital to offer support and ensure proper care.

She said, “The FCT Police extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. In a show of compassion and support, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.”

The FCT Police spokesperson added that to prevent similar tragedies, the command should be notified of any such events.

She warned that henceforth, organisers of such events will be held responsible for failure to comply.

The PPRO added, “All organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance. This notification is crucial for 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 incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence.”

The tragic incident occurred when thousands of residents scrambled to get their individual shares of the palliatives distributed by the church.

It was learnt that the event, organised to provide relief to indigent and poor residents, attracted thousands of people from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and in neighbouring communities.

In the Anambra stampede, eye witnesses said the incident occurred during the sharing of palliatives, including rice, vegetable oil and money.

Most of the victims were said to be women and children who gathered at the gate and were struggling to gain entrance amid a very large and uncontrollable crowd.

A member of the community, Chief Ernest Obiejesi (Obijackson), donated the palliatives.

Many people reportedly collapsed at the scene and were rushed to the hospital. A woman was said to be critically injured.

It was learnt that among the victims was a woman who slumped during the stampede and was rushed to the hospital. But no one could ascertain whether she survived or not.

Shoes and slippers of the victims littered the entrance gate to the venue.

Calm was said to have later been restored, while the distribution of palliatives had also resumed as of the time of filing this report.