Abuja Stampede: 10 Feared Dead, Including Children, During Palliative Distribution at Maitama Catholic Church

Tragedy struck in Maitama, Abuja, early this morning as a stampede during a palliative distribution at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church claimed at least 10 lives, including children, and left several others injured.

The incident occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM as thousands of residents scrambled for food items and relief materials organized by the church to assist struggling communities. The event, which drew over 3,000 attendees, primarily from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements, ended in chaos when the surging crowd overwhelmed the distribution process.

An eyewitness, a mother of five, described the scene as devastating.

“10 people 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. May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm,” she said.

The stampede claimed at least seven children’s lives, sparking grief and outrage among attendees.

Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the incident and announced the indefinite suspension of the palliative distribution.

“Yes, it’s true but with sketchy details,” he said, acknowledging the severity of the situation.

In response to the chaos, a combined team of police, military, and DSS officers was deployed to the church premises to restore order and disperse the anxious crowd. The security presence ensured the gradual dispersal of attendees, marking the end of a tragic morning.

This incident follows a similar tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State, just days earlier. At least 35 children lost their lives, and six others were critically injured during a stampede at a children’s funfair held at the Islamic High School in Bashorun. The event attracted over 5,000 attendees and turned fatal when crowds rushed to receive food and gifts.