At least ten people, including seven children, lost their lives and several others were injured in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred as thousands of locals gathered to receive palliatives distributed by the church to assist low-income residents from nearby communities, including Mpape and Gishiri Village.
Over 3,000 people were reported to have attended the event.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many arriving as early as 4:00 AM to secure their share.
The stampede began between 7:00 and 8:00 AM when the crowd surged forward.
“Ten persons, including children, have been confirmed dead. It is regrettable,” said an eyewitness. A mother of five prayed, “May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm.”
Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the tragedy, adding that the distribution of palliatives has been suspended indefinitely. “Yes, but the details are hazy,” he said.
To restore order, a team of police, military, and DSS officers was deployed to the scene. Security personnel cleared the church grounds, initially packed with anxious beneficiaries.
This tragedy comes just days after a similar stampede at a children’s event in Ibadan, Oyo State, left at least 35 children dead and six others critically injured.
Authorities have urged caution during such gatherings to prevent further loss of life.