Not fewer than 10 persons have reportedly died on Saturday morning while several others were injured in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.

The Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the incident, which happened around 6:30am, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left 8 others with varying degrees of injuries.

While four of the injured have been treated and discharged, the remaining victims are currently receiving medical care.

The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force said they had successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.

“The FCT Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. In a show of compassion and support,” adding that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.

To prevent such tragic incidents in the future, the command has mandated all organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT, to notify the police command in advance.

“This notification is crucial for 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 incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence,” the statement added.

Similarly in Anambra State, an undisclosed number of people were reportedly trampled to death in Okija, venue of the collection of Christmas rice largesse donated by an indigene of the community.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the incident happened in the early hours of Saturday at Okija.

Preliminary information revealed that the incident occurred when a known philanthropist from the Okiaja community, on his yearly schedule activities, was distributing some palliatives to the members of the community to provide succour to the less privileged, according to the police statement.

“Unfortunately, before the event could start, a large number of uncontrolled persons took over the event area which resulted in a stampede,” the police statement said.

In a video posted online, male voice was heard saying: “These are people (referring to the corpses lying on the ground) who went to share rice at Obi Jackson’s house. We are at Our Ladies (Hospital) now. They were trampled to death. Look at them (about 15 in number), they went to get a share of Obi Jackson’s rice and they were trampled to death. Look at them, including women. They were trampled to death. This person is dead. It’s happening now. Look at many dead bodies everywhere. They are at Our Ladies now. Just watch and see. There are many of them, even pregnant women are among them. It’s happening now, 21st December, it’s an abomination. Look at them, they are still bringing more people. They said some are still unconscious and they are bringing them too. It’s an abomination.”

Our Ladies is a ‘big’ hospital in Ihiala, Anambra State.

The Anambra Police Command, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said its operatives have taken over the scene for proper investigation.

“Anambra State Police Operatives have taken over the scene in Okija to avert further unforeseen circumstances where an alleged stampede occurred in the early hours of today 21/12/2024, that led to some persons being fatally wounded.

“Preliminary information reveals that a known Philanthropist from the Okija Community, on his yearly schedule shares some palliatives to the members of the community to provide succour to the less privileged. Unfortunately, before the event could start, a large number of uncontrolled persons took over the event area which resulted in a stampede.

“Though the details of the affected persons as still sketchy, Police Operatives have taken over the scene for proper investigation, please.

“Further details shall be Communicated”

It would be recalled that a few days ago, a similar incident occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede during a children’s funfair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left six others critically injured.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General, Training and Development, DIG Frank Mbah, has commissioned and officially handed over 10 state-of-the-art mobile medical clinics to the Nigerian Police Force.

The clinics, designed to improve the welfare and well-being of police officers, recruits, and trainers, were handed over at a well attended ceremony held at the Police Centtal Stores in Ikeja, Lagos State, and witnessed by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).

The event, according to Police authorities, is part of an ongoing Police Reform project generously funded by the Government of the Republic of Germany and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with GS-Foundation, who were physically represented at the event by their very senior officials.

Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Günther, remarked: “This handover exemplifies Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s police force in its journey towards modernization and improved welfare standards. By addressing the healthcare needs of police personnel, we are investing in the stability and security of communities across Nigeria.”

Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme stated: “These clinics are a testament to the power of partnership in delivering sustainable development. At UNDP, we believe that the well-being of individuals forms the bedrock of effective institutions. This initiative underscores our dedication to equipping the Nigeria Police Force with the tools and resources necessary for meaningful police services.”

Arno Langanke (retired Commissioner of Police, German) representative of Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation stated: “The mobile container clinics we are officially handing over today are a product of an intense procurement process, that GS-Foundation was committed to. We are delighted that these clinics can now find their final destinations at the preselected police training schools to benefit both the NPF and the local population at the respective locations. We are confident that this project will provide a significant contribution to improving healthcare and emergency care in police training schools and surrounding communities.”

In his keynote address, the IG, speaking through DIG Mba, noted that his administration will continue to see to the wellbeing of officers and men of the Force, stressing that a lot more is still in the offing for the Police under his command.

“These landmark contribution reaffirms our vision and shared commitment to a Police Force that is professionally competent, service-driven, and fully aligned with the principles of the rule of law. These mobile clinics symbolize more than just healthcare assets; they represent a significant advancement in the NPF’s Health Policy, prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of our officers. The impact of this reform project therefore extends beyond policing; it contributes to broader goals of human security, economic growth, and national development,” he said.

He further noted that “The mobile clinics, equipped with solar power systems, advanced medical equipment, furniture, patient beds, and other essential resources for full functionality, will be stationed at various Police Training Institutions nationwide. These facilities aim to ensure that officers and recruits have access to quality medical care as a way of prioritising their health and well-being as they undergo rigorous training.

“This initiative follows a comprehensive needs assessment conducted in 2022, during which the project team evaluated the conditions of NPF training institutions. The findings highlighted critical gaps in infrastructure and the urgent need for investments to make these facilities fit-for-purpose. In response, these solar-powered mobile clinics were developed as a tangible step toward addressing these needs.”

The Police Reform project has seen significant milestones in its efforts to enhance police capacity and welfare. In September 2023, the initiative successfully delivered a 2,000-capacity mobile barracks to the Nigeria Police Force, addressing critical accommodation challenges for officers on field deployment exercises across the country.

The handover represents another step forward in ensuring that police officers and recruits operate in an environment that supports their health, safety, and productivity, just as the facilities reflect the commitment of all partners involved to strengthening the NPF through targeted investments in infrastructure and welfare.

The event was graced by presence of serving AIGs, Commissioners of Police among other senior officers including AIG Ochalla.

An unconfirmed number of children have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.

It was gathered that over 30 children lost their lives, with many others injured during the incident.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Basorun Islamic High School after which the government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team.

The commissioner noted that victims had been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.

While appreciating the Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to assist at the scene, Oyelade said, “The state government will do all it can to support the victims of this tragic incident during this difficult period.

“The government was not involved in any planning, nor was the Ministry of Health asked to provide logistics for the private children’s end-of-year funfair.”

Oyelade, however, emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, particularly those involving children and the elderly.

The commissioner indicated that they were awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.

“Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan, where affected children have been taken for proper medical care, with valid means of identification:Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ringroad State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital; and the University College Hospital, Ibadan.”

He extended the government’s deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy, urging the public to remain calm as relevant information is gathered and necessary support arranged for the victims.