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President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh
The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has expressed condolences to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and the families of the victims who lost their lives during a palliative distribution event on Saturday.
The PUNCH reported that 10 people, including children, died, while eight others sustained injuries during a stampede at the church premises.
In a statement on Sunday titled “A Heartfelt Response to the Tragedy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church,” Okoh described the victims as “not just statistics” but as individuals whose deaths represented grieving families.
Okoh noted that the incident was part of a worrying trend, citing two other stampedes in Oyo and Anambra States earlier in the week, which underscored the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events.
He urged Nigerians to show solidarity and compassion for the grieving families, emphasising that the shared concern following the tragedy was a testament to our common humanity.
The statement read, “This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Nigeria has experienced two other tragic stampedes this month. On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede claimed the lives of 35 children, leaving six others critically injured. The event, which aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children, is currently under investigation, with a focus on improving crowd control measures.
“Just days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event at a centre in Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least 22 people lost their lives, with 32 others injured. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the need for better organisation and safety measures during charitable events.
“In the face of these tragedies, we must come together to support the grieving families. It is vital to listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer assistance in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we work towards healing as a community.
“As we reflect on these devastating events, we call on all Nigerians to show kindness and solidarity. Let us support one another and strive to create a society where everyone feels safe and valued. The concern and empathy shown in response to this incident reflect our shared humanity.
“Together, we can honour the memory of those we have lost by committing to a future of hope, where every life matters and where we can gather safely and in peace, sharing in the abundance of resources that we, as a nation, can provide for one another.”
