By Abiola Olawale
A few days after Nigerians were thrown into a mourning state over a stampede that occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, reports have emerged suggesting about 10 persons have been feared dead in another stampede that occurred in Abuja.
According to reports, at least 10 people, including children, are feared dead, and several others sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.
The incident was said to have unfolded amid a scene of chaos as thousands of eager residents rushed to collect essential palliatives being handed out by the church.
Confirming the development, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, who spoke with the press said the palliative distribution was suspended because of the stampede.
“Yes, it’s true, but with sketchy details,” he said.
A combined team of police, military, and DSS officers was said to have been deployed to restore order and disperse the crowd.
This tragic incident reflects a similar occurrence that took place just days prior in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left six others in critical condition. The event, hosted at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, attracted more than 5,000 children and became deadly when attendees rushed to collect food and gifts distributed by the organizers.
