Over ten people have tragically lost their lives, and many more have been injured following a stampede at a food distribution event held by the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the Holy Trinity Parish in Maitama, Archdiocese of Abuja in Nigeria.
The incident occurred as crowds gathered to receive food aid in the spirit of Christmas, a time traditionally focused on charity and giving.
In a December 21 statement released by the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama expressed his deep sorrow at the loss and injuries sustained during the disaster. ”
It is with profound shock and sadness that I, on behalf of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, mourn the tragic loss of lives and those injured,” he said. “This great tragedy, which claimed the lives of over ten people, is a devastating blow to our community.”
The food-sharing event, organised by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, was intended to provide food and support for vulnerable members of the local community.
The Society’s efforts are a key part of the Catholic Church’s outreach, dedicated to assisting the poor and marginalised. However, the event turned into chaos when large crowds, eager to receive aid, surged forward, resulting in the deadly stampede.
The Archbishop expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, offering prayers for those affected by the tragedy. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and injured. May God grant them the strength and comfort they need during this difficult time,” Archbishop Kaigama stated.
The Archdiocese has called for prayers for both the deceased and the injured. “Let us come together as a community to pray for the souls of the departed, for the healing of the injured, and for the consolation of all those affected by this tragedy,” Archbishop Kaigama urged, referencing the words of Jesus Christ from the Gospel of Matthew: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
Nigeria is facing one of its worst hunger crises with more than 30 million people expected to be food insecure in 2025, a one-third jump from this year due to economic hardship, According to a joint report by the government and United Nations.
Africa’s most populous nation is grappling with a cost of living crisis that led to deadly protests in August.
Economic hardship has worsened after President Bola Tinubu started austerity reforms, including devaluing the naira and ending a decades-old petrol subsidy, fuelling inflation.
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