Abuja Stampede: Police issue guidelines on large gatherings, palliative distributions

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued new guidelines requiring individuals and organisations planning public events, charity activities, or large gatherings in Abuja to notify it in advance.

The Spokesperson for the Command, Josephine Adeh, announced the measures in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

The guidelines come in the wake of a deadly stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja earlier on Saturday, claiming 10 lives and leaving several injured during a food distribution at the church’s Car Park.

Similar tragic incidents occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State and Okija in Anambra State this week, claiming many lives, including children.

Ms Adeh emphasised the need for organisers to prioritise safety by ensuring adequate security arrangements before embarking on an event that would bring many people.

“To prevent such unfortunate incidents, the Command hereby directs that all organisations, 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 for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety,” she said.

She warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in organisers being held liable for any loss of life or other consequences.

PRESS RELEASE

TRAGIC STAMPEDE IN MAITAMA: FCT POLICE COMMAND CALLS FOR STRICT ADHERENCE TO EVENT NOTIFICATION

The FCT Police Command expresses its profound sorrow over the tragic incident that occurred at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.

This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30 AM, resulted in 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 continue to receive medical care. The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have 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, the Commissioner of Police Cp Olatunji Disu psc, has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.

ALSO READ: UPDATED: Stampede at Abuja church leaves 10 dead

To prevent such tragic incidents in the future, the Command mandates that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must 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 FCT Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. We urge the public to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room at 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234.

SP Josephine Adeh,

Police Public Relations Officer,

FCT Police Command,

Abuja.