‘A devastating blow’ — Kaigama mourns victims of Abuja stampede

Ignatius Kaigama, the archbishop of Abuja, says the stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, was a devastating blow to the community.

On Saturday, at least 10 people, including children, were reported to have died in a stampede that occurred during the distribution of rice at the church

In a condolence message to the families of the victims and those injured, Kaigama described the incident as a great tragedy.

“The St. Vincent de Paul Society’s selfless efforts to support the poor and vulnerable in our midst are a testament to the Catholic Church’s commitment to serving the least among us,” he said.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and injured. May God grant them the strength and comfort they need during this difficult time.

“Let us come together as a community to pray for the souls of the departed, for the healing of the injured, and for the consolation of all those affected by this tragedy.”

Meanwhile, over 20 persons in the Okija community in Anambra state also lost their lives in a stampede during an event organised to distribute rice to the less privileged.

The two incidents on Saturday came barely 48 hours after 35 children died in a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.