To prevent future occurrence of tragic incidents such as the one at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command the Command has mandated all organizations, religious bodies, groups or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT to notify the Police Command in advance.
Thenewsbearer reports the stampede that occurred at about 6:30am during the distribution of food items to the vulnerable and elderly, leading to the death of 10 people including four children.
Eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries, four of whom had been treated and discharged while the remaining victims were still receiving medical care.
It was learnt that the FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.
The FCT Command said in a statement by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, that the notification is crucial for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.
The statement added that failure to comply with this directive would result in holding the organizers responsible for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence.
“The FCT Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory.
“We urge the public to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room at 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234,” the PPRO said in the statement.
Expressing its profound sorrow over the tragic incident, the FCT Police Command extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a quick recovery.
In a show of compassion and support, the Commissioner of Police Cp Olatunji Disu, visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance.
