The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the death of 10 people on Saturday morning at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.
SP Josephine Adeh, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed in a statement that the incident happened at about 6:30 a.m.
According to her, the 10 victims include four children.
Adeh noted that eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries, while four of the injured victims have been treated and discharged. The remaining four are currently receiving medical care.
The statement read, “The FCT Police Command deeply regrets to confirm the unfortunate incident that occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday, 21st December 2024, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly persons.
“This tragic event, which happened at about 6:30 am, led to a stampede that claimed the lives of ten (10) individuals, including four (4) children, and left eight (8) others with varying degrees of injuries. Four (4) of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are receiving medical care.”
The FCT Police Command expressed regret over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, and also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
It directed organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings within the FCT to notify the police in advance to allow for adequate security arrangements to ensure public safety.
The statement further warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in organizers being held accountable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from their negligence.
“To prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, the Command hereby directs that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning any public event, charitable activity, or large gathering in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance. 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 statement added.
The command urged the public to collaborate with the police by adhering to safety guidelines and promptly report emergencies through the FCT Control Room. Emergency contacts are available at 0803 200 3913 and 0806 032 1234.