Ten persons including children have been confirmed dead and many others injured following a stampede Saturday at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama District of Abuja.
The tragic twist to a rice palliative distribution orgainised by the Church occurred when a crowd of about 3,000 surged forward in a bid to get their hands on the items leading to the crushing of the victims.
Federal Capital Territory police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the incident stressing that it was a preventable tragedy and the organisers of such events should endeavor the plan for crowd control and also involve the police to guarantee safety and security.
Also, in Okija Anambra State about 19 people also died as they scramble to collect rice palliatives donated by a renowned entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, a.k.a Obijackson.
The victims include women and children were struggling to gain access to entrance of the building the distribution of rice was taking place leading to a crush at the gate. Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Anambra State, Charles Aburime said the situation was now under control.
These stampedes are coming a few days after a family funfair event in Ibadan, Oyo State ended in chaos leading to the death of 35 children.
