10 DIE SCRAMBLING FOR RICE, PALLIATIVES at Holy Trinity Catholic Church,Abuja

Not less than 10 persons may have lost their lives while scrambling for rice and other food items in Maitama, Abuja.

The police in Abuja confirmed l that four children are among the dead

Similarly 12 people were confirmed dead and 35 injured in Okija in Anambra State same day

These unfortunate food-related deaths are coming just three days after the death of more than 40 children in Ibadan, Oyo State in a similar situation.

The unfortunate deaths in Abuja occurred in a stampede during distribution of palliative at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed the death of the victims.

It was further gathered that several others sustained different degree of injuries

The event organized to provide palliatives to the poor and the elderly attracted large number of people from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and neighbouring communities.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the sad incident occurred at about 6:30 involving a crowd of about 1,000 people who gathered to receive food items meant for the vulnerable and elderly.

“This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30am, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries.

“Four 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 has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.”

The FCT Police spokesperson advised organizers of such events to notify the police to prevent such avoidable tragedies from occurring again.

She warned that organizers of such events leaving to fatalities would be held accountable if they hold them without informing the police.