The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has introduced strict guidelines for public gatherings following a tragic stampede that claimed 10 lives at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh announced the measures on Saturday in Abuja, revealing that the early morning incident at the church’s car park during a food distribution program left eight others injured.
The Explainer learned four of the deceased were children, while four of the injured have been treated and discharged.
“To prevent such tragic incidents in the future, the Command mandates that all organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance,” Adeh stated in the release.
The police directive comes amid similar tragic incidents reported in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Okija in Anambra State this week, where multiple casualties, including children, were recorded during separate events.
FCT Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu visited the hospitalized victims, demonstrating the command’s commitment to public welfare. The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and Joint Task Force successfully managed the remaining crowd of over a thousand people at the scene.
Adeh emphasized that the new guidelines aim to ensure proper security arrangements for events attracting large gatherings.
The police warned that organizers who fail to comply would be held responsible for any resulting incidents or loss of life.
The Command has provided emergency contact numbers – 0803 200 3913 and 0806 032 1234 – for the public to report emergencies through the FCT Control Room, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory.
