Federal Capital Territory, FCT , Minister Nyesom Wike, has directed government hospitals to provide free medical treatment to those injured in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.
Wike issued the directive in a statement on Saturday, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka. The stampede, which occurred around 6:30 a.m., resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, including children, and left 10 others injured.
The incident took place during the church’s distribution of food items to the less fortunate and elderly.
The minister assured that the FCT Administration would ensure proper medical care for the injured. Wike also expressed his condolences to the victims and directed that, going forward, police permission must be obtained for any public distribution of food or cash.
Describing the incident as “painful,” Wike prayed for the souls of the deceased and offered strength to their families. He also commended the quick response of the Police and other security agencies, calling their intervention “commendable.”
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In a related development, the FCT Emergency Management Department , FEMD, expressed sympathy for the victims. Acting Director General, Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, confirmed that nine out of the 10 injured individuals taken to Maitama District Hospital had been treated and discharged.
He urged organizations planning similar events to involve security agencies or FEMD to ensure safety, and recommended the use of coupons and crowd control measures to prevent such incidents.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has instructed organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events or charitable activities to notify the police in advance.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, emphasized that failing to comply could result in organizers being held responsible for any incidents or fatalities caused by negligence.
Additionally, the Nigeria Police Force issued a warning against uncoordinated palliative distributions, which have led to stampedes and fatalities. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reiterated the need for organized, safe events to protect vulnerable citizens from harm.
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