The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has extended condolences to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and the families of those who lost their lives during a palliative distribution event on Saturday.
Ten people, including children, tragically died, while eight others sustained injuries in the stampede at the church premises.
In a statement titled “A Heartfelt Response to the Tragedy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church,” Okoh emphasised that the victims were “not just statistics” but individuals whose loss leaves grieving families behind. He highlighted this incident as part of a troubling pattern, referencing two other stampedes earlier in the week in Oyo and Anambra States. These events underscore the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable activities.
On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others critically injured. The event, which aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children, is under investigation to address crowd control issues. Similarly, another stampede during a rice distribution event in Anambra State led to the loss of 22 lives and injuries to 32 others.
Okoh urged Nigerians to support the grieving families and emphasised the importance of solidarity and compassion in the wake of these tragedies. “This is a time for compassion and understanding as we work towards healing as a community,” the statement read.
He called for improved organisation and safety measures during charitable events to prevent further tragedies, urging everyone to reflect on these events and commit to building a safer and more compassionate society. Okoh concluded by saying, “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.”
