The Federal Capital Territory Police Command said it is investigating the deaths resulting from stampedes at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama during a charity event.
Ten persons died in the course of struggling to get handouts in the church with 29 and 35 deaths recorded at similar events in Anambra and Ibadan respectively.
That of Ibadan organisers have been arrested and facing prosecution, in contrast to the other two to the displeasure of Muslim Rights Concern, whose Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola said in a statement, “MURIC is interested in knowing why it was only the organisers of the Ibadan event that were arrested while those in Abuja and Okija were allegedly left free. We therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of the organisers of the Ibadan event.”
Perhaps in reaction to MURIC’s statement the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the organisers of the ill-fated Abuja event are under investigation.
This, Adeh told Punchng saying: “In connection with the tragic stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, which resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and injuries to eight others, including children, we invited key individuals involved in organising the distribution of palliatives for questioning.
“This step was taken to gain a better understanding of the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident.After their initial questioning, they were allowed to return home, as our investigation into the matter is ongoing.
“An invitation regarding a tragedy of this magnitude is not out of place. We are addressing the loss of human lives, which, in religious and moral beliefs, are sacred.”
