Nine victims injured during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, have been discharged from Maitama District Hospital, following swift government intervention. The stampede occurred during the church’s annual food outreach program on Saturday, claiming 10 lives, including four children, and injuring 10 others.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, responded promptly by ordering free medical treatment for all victims. A statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, announced that government hospitals had been instructed to provide care at no cost.
In a bid to prevent future tragedies, Wike mandated that police approval be secured for public palliative distributions. He extended condolences to the victims’ families, prayed for the repose of the deceased, and pledged continued support for those injured.
Praising the rapid response of security agencies, Wike emphasized the importance of involving law enforcement in such events to ensure crowd control and safety.
Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, Acting Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), also expressed his condolences and highlighted measures to avoid overcrowding at future events. He suggested the use of organized distribution systems, such as coupons or group divisions, to maintain order.
Mohammed encouraged residents to utilize the 112 toll-free emergency line for timely assistance during emergencies.
The tragedy has prompted calls for increased safety protocols in public gatherings to avoid similar incidents in the future.
