By Fidel Ozugha
Ten people were confirmed dead in stampede during food sharing in Abuja at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday, 21st December 2024, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly persons.
The tragic event, which happened at about 6:30 am, 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 in a statement released by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident and sympathised with the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery
In Anambra State, about 15 persons have been reported dead while many were injured following a stampede that occurred at the gate of the Obijackson Centre, in Okija, in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday.
The stampede occurred during the sharing of palliatives including rice, vegetable oil and money. The event was said to be an annual ceremony residents look.
It was gathered that victims were mostly women and children who were gathered at the gate, struggling to gain entrance amid a very large and uncontrollable crowd.
The palliatives were donated by a member of the community, Chief Ernest Obiejesi (Obijackson).
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga confirmed but said the actual number of the victims was yet to be confirmed but that a team of police men has been dispatched to investigate the occurrence.
