SOME alms seekers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lost their lives in a stampede.
The stampede occurred on Saturday morning during an event for the distribution of Christmas rice and other palliatives at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama area of Abuja.
This newspaper’s correspondent who was at the scene observed the heavy presence of security personnel.
It was gathered that the church had made it a point of duty to give back to the society every year.
Victims of the stampede are mostly women and children.
Confirming the incident, the FCT Police Command said ten individuals died, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
A statement signed by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, reads: “This tragic event, which happened at about 6:30 am, led to a stampede that claimed the lives of ten (10) individuals, including four (4) children, and left eight (8) others with varying degrees of injuries. Four (4) of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are receiving medical care.
‘’To prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, the Command hereby directs that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning any public event, charitable activity, or large gathering in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance. This will allow the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from their negligence.
’The FCT Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room via 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234”
In a related development, 17 residents of Okija community in Anambra state have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede.
The stampede was said to have occurred on Saturday morning during an event for the distribution of rice.
This comes days after the death of about 40 children following a stampede during a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.