Not less than 10 persons have died, while many were reported injured in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the unfortunate incident which took place around 6:30 AM, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left 8 others with varying degrees of injuries.

While four of the injured have been treated and discharged, the remaining victims are currently receiving medical care.

The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force said they had successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.

“The FCT Police Command 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,” adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.

To prevent such tragic incidents in the future, the command has mandated all organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT, to 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 statement added.

Only a few days ago, a similar incident had occurred 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 critically injured. (Text, excluding headline: Channels TV)