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<p>At least 10 people, including children, have been reported dead following a <a target="_blank" href="http://gistreel.com/tag/stampede"><strong>stampede</strong></a> at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.</p>
<p>Several others sustained injuries as thousands of residents scrambled for <a target="_blank" href="http://gistreel.com/?s=palliative"><strong>palliatives distributed</strong></a> by the church.</p>
<p>The tragic incident occurred around 7:00 AM during an event aimed at providing relief to struggling residents from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1137309" alt="Abuja church stampede claims lives during palliative distribution" width="1289" height="960" data-lazy- src="https://toptechblitz.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GfUa7gEWQAA9Lj5.jpeg"/><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1137309" src="https://toptechblitz.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GfUa7gEWQAA9Lj5.jpeg" alt="Abuja church stampede claims lives during palliative distribution" width="1289" height="960" /></p>
<p>Over 3,000 people reportedly gathered at the church premises, with many arriving before sunrise to secure their share of the aid.</p>
<p>An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking, noting that at least seven of the deceased were children.</p>
<p><em>“10 people have been reported dead, including children. We just received a call that they have passed on.</em></p>
<p><em>“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.</em></p>
<p><em>“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,”</em> the eyewitness, a mother of five, said.</p>
<p>Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the incident, stating that the distribution has been suspended indefinitely. A combined team of police, military, and DSS officers was deployed to restore order, and the premises have since been cleared.</p>
<p>This tragedy comes in the wake of similar incidents in<strong> Ibadan, Oyo State</strong>, and <strong>Okija, Anambra State</strong>, where stampedes claimed multiple lives during public events. The recurring nature of these incidents has raised concerns about crowd management and safety measures during large gatherings.</p>
<p>Authorities and the church have expressed condolences to the bereaved families, with investigations expected to determine how the situation spiralled out of control.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.gistreel.com/abuja-church-stampede-claims-lives-during-palliative-distribution/" previewlistener="true">Source link </a></p>

