Abuja Stampede: Wike Orders Free Medical Treatment For Victims

Abuja Stampede: Wike Orders Free Medical Treatment For Victims

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has instructed government hospitals to provide free medical care to those injured in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja…READ MORE…

Wike issued the directive in a statement released on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka.

The tragic incident, which occurred during a food distribution event for the underprivileged and elderly, resulted in the death of at least 10 individuals, including children, while 10 others sustained injuries.

The stampede happened around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Wike emphasized that the FCT Administration would ensure that all injured individuals receive the necessary medical attention. He extended his condolences to the victims and their families and mandated that anyone or any organization planning public food or cash distributions must obtain police approval beforehand.

Labeling the occurrence as “painful,” Wike prayed for the souls lost and wished strength for their families to cope with the immense grief.

He also praised the Police and other security agencies for their swift response, stating, “The promptness of security agencies in handling the situation was commendable.”

Additionally, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) expressed its sympathies to the victims of the stampede. The acting Director General, Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, reported that nine of the ten injured individuals treated at Maitama District Hospital had already been discharged.

Mohammed urged organizations planning to distribute food to involve security agencies or FEMD in advance to ensure the safety of beneficiaries. He recommended using coupons and organizing beneficiaries into smaller groups to minimize crowding and prevent further incidents.

The FCT Police Command also instructed organizations, religious groups, and individuals to notify police when organizing public events, charitable actions, or large gatherings. Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that this notification is essential for deploying adequate security to safeguard public safety. Those who fail to comply will be held accountable for any incidents or loss of life arising from negligence.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has cautioned against unregulated distribution of palliatives and other events that could lead to stampedes and fatalities among vulnerable citizens. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued the warning during a media briefing on Saturday in Abuja, noting that the rising incidents of stampedes during palliative distributions have been concerning.

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