A joyful celebration of the Christ the King Feast in the Catholic Diocese of Aba turned into tragedy on Sunday, November 23, 2024, as overcrowding during the annual Eucharistic procession led to the deaths of some faithful and left many others injured.
According to a statement from the Diocese, the procession was intended to be a joyous occasion for the faithful, who gathered in large numbers to celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.
However, the crowd became dangerously overcrowded, leading to a stampede that claimed the lives of two devout Catholics.
“It is with deep regret and sadness that the annual joyful celebration of our Diocesan Feast Day… ended… in a most tragic way,” the November 25 statement signed by Bishop Augustine Ndubueze Echema said.
The Diocese has not yet confirmed the exact number of persons who suffered death and injuries but reports suggest that two women lost their lives while scores were hurt.
“We condole with the deceased families, and sympathize with those injured, who are still convalescing in the hospital,” Bishop Echema added in the statement.
Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the disaster. While the cause of the overcrowding remains unclear, church leaders have pledged to support the affected families and individuals.
“We shall do everything possible in the future to forestall such a tragedy; the first of its kind in the annals of the Christ the King Procession in Aba,” Bishop Echema promised.
Bishop Echema urged the faithful not to be discouraged. “I appeal to our dynamic and gallant Catholics not to be discouraged and dampened in spirit,” he said.
“While we mourn, we must also remain steadfast in our faith.” He concluded his statement by entrusting the grieving community to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Mother of Christ the King and Comfort of the Afflicted.”
