The Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria offered their condolences to the families of the deceased.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Sunday, described the incidents as deeply saddening and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and others affected.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by these unfortunate incidents,” Idris said in a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.
He emphasised the need for organizers of such activities to prioritise safety measures to prevent similar occurrences.
The minister advised all individuals and organizations planning charitable events during the festive season to collaborate with the police and the National Emergency Management Agency for effective crowd control and security.
Idris also cautioned against politicising the incidents, stating that the stampedes are unrelated to the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He highlighted that similar tragedies have occurred in the past and called for a focus on unity and shared responsibility rather than assigning unwarranted blame.
“It is worth noting that similar unfortunate occurrences have been recorded in the past, before the current administration, as such, making any attempt to link these tragedies to the President’s reforms is unfounded and disingenuous,” he said.
The minister reiterated that the administration’s reforms aim to promote sustainable economic growth and improve the lives of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable, without causing additional distress.
In a statement on Sunday titled “A Heartfelt Response to the Tragedy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church”, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the death of the individuals as “not just statistics” but a representation of real families who were hurting.
Okoh further said that the incident was part of a troubling pattern, noting two other instances of stampedes recorded in Oyo and Anambra States during the week, adding that the incidents highlighted “the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events”.
He called for togetherness and support for the grieving families, while stating that the concern shown since the sad incident highlights our shared humanity
Part of the statement read, “The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday morning. We have learned that at least ten people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while trying to seek help from the church.”
“This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to the families affected by this terrible incident. We stand together with you in this time of sadness and prayer.”
“This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Nigeria has experienced two other tragic stampedes this month. On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 children, with six others critically injured. The event aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children. This tragic event is currently under investigation, focusing on better crowd control measures.”
“Just a few days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event at a centre in Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least 22 people lost their lives, and 32 others were injured. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events. In the face of these tragedies, we recognise the importance of coming together to support those who are grieving. It is crucial that we listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer help in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we help one another heal.”
