The Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun an investigation into the unfortunate stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, which resulted in the deaths of ten people during a food distribution event last weekend.
This incident has ignited extensive public discussion, eliciting responses from various religious organizations and officials.
In reaction to public anger and calls for accountability from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), police have summoned church leaders for questioning. Previous incidents, like the stampede in Anambra State that resulted in 22 fatalities and another event in Oyo State that led to legal action, have increased the scrutiny surrounding these occurrences.
Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, has voiced his disappointment with the government’s response to the situation. In his Christmas message on X on Wednesday, he condemned what he referred to as “misplaced zeal” in targeting church officials with criminal charges. “Rather than pursuing legal action against those affected by this tragedy, authorities should prioritize offering assistance and preventing similar incidents in the future,” Kaigama stated.
FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh explained that those summoned for questioning have been released, stressing that the purpose of the investigation is to uncover the truth. Adeh noted, “This is not an effort to target the church, but rather to uphold the sanctity of human life and ensure accountability.”
Authorities have indicated that further inquiries may follow as they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
