Catholic Priest Arrested Over Abuja Stampede Incident

Authorities in Abuja have arrested a Catholic priest in connection with a stampede that caused injuries and chaos. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the tragedy.

A heartbreaking incident has occurred in Abuja, where a senior Catholic priest and several officials from the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama have been arrested following a stampede at a charity food distribution event that resulted in 10 fatalities.

The incident took place on church grounds, igniting widespread outrage and criticism from numerous sources.

Authorities have confirmed that the individuals detained might remain in custody during the festive period as investigations proceed.

The arrests were carried out following demands from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic activist organization that has consistently called for fairness and accountability in such tragic situations.

MURIC previously denounced the incident in Abuja as well as a different tragedy that occurred in Okija, Anambra State. In this separate event, 22 people lost their lives during a charity function organized by a billionaire.

In an announcement, MURIC urged the authorities to hold all event organizers accountable with consistent consequences, irrespective of their location or affiliations. They cited a past incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, where organizers involved in a stampede were charged and detained.

Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has commissioned an in-depth investigation into the incidents that occurred in Abuja and Anambra to ascertain the factors that led to these tragedies.

In response to the arrests, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, voiced his disapproval regarding what he described as government agents’ “verbal demonization of the Catholic Church.”

In his Christmas message, “Christmas: A Season of Hope and Renewal,” Kaigama condemned the arrest and detention of church officials, describing it as “uninspiring, unfriendly, and a misplaced zeal.”

He encouraged government officials to assist the church in dealing with the trauma of the tragedy, instead of worsening it by threatening legal action.