Scores of people, including children have reportedly died and several others injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning as thousands of residents scrambled for palliatives distributed by the church to assist those affected by the current hardship.
The event, organised to provide relief to struggling residents, drew over 3,000 people, mostly from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.
The National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, confirmed the tragic development, noting the suspension of the palliative distribution.
An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic and tragic, revealing that at least seven of the deceased were children.
Many attendees arrived as early as 4:00 AM, hoping to secure their share of the palliatives. The stampede occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the crowd surged forward.
“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. Most of those present were residents of Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.
“The stampede occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. The distribution of palliatives has been suspended indefinitely, and people are dispersing. May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm,” the eyewitness, a mother of five, said.