Few days after the death of 35 teenagers at a Christmas fun centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, another stampede at a palliatives distribution center in Abuja claimed the lives of at least 10 persons, including children, with several others sustaining various degrees of injuries.
Also from Anambra State comes a report that in Okija, Unspecified number, including women and children died during a rush where people were sharing bags of rice donated by a notable member of the community, Chief Dr.Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi (Obijackson).
The Abuja incident happened at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, Saturday morning as thousands of residents scrambled to receive palliatives distributed by the church.
The event, organised to provide relief for residents, drew over 3,000 people, mostly from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.
The National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Mike Nsikak Umoh, confirmed the tragic development, noting the suspension of the palliative distribution. “Yes it’s true but with sketchy details.”
An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic and tragic, revealing that at least seven of the deceased were children.
“Many people had arrived as early as 4am, hoping to secure their share of the palliatives. The stampede occurred between 7.00am and 8.00am when the crowd surged forward.
“Ten persons have been reported dead, including children. We just received a call that they have passed on.
“Over 3,000 people came out to receive the palliative. It’s unfortunate. Some of them arrived as early as 4:00 AM. Most of those present were residents of Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.
“The stampede occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. The distribution of palliatives has been suspended indefinitely, and people are dispersing. May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm.”
A combined team of police, military, and DSS officers has been deployed to restore order and disperse the crowd. The church premises, initially filled with anxious beneficiaries, gradually cleared as security personnel enforced the suspension.
One Uche Nworah, Ph.D posted on social media that the “news coming out of Okija, Anambra state this morning indicate many have died including women and children following a stampede where people were sharing bags of rice donated by a notable member of the community, Chief Dr.Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi (Obijackson). May the souls of the dead rest in peace, Amen.
“This is obviously a crowd control issue. Others planning such community empowerment this season should do this differently to prevent this happening again.
“There is so much hunger in the land. Many will throng venue of such give-aways but the crowd should be managed better.”
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