Police, Catholic Archbishop clash over Abuja stampede probe

THE NATION

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command yesterday disagreed with the comment by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, on the stampede that occurred during the church’s distribution of palliatives to members.

The cleric had accused the police of attempting to demonise the church’s almsgiving or humanitarian efforts, but the police described his comments as baseless and disappointing.

In his message, titled: Christmas: A Season of Hope and Renewal, Kaigama had faulted the police interrogation of church officials on the cause of the stampede.

He said: “Christmas this year has come with a poignant blend of joy and solemn reflection, shadowed by tragedies related to the struggle for what to eat in Ibadan, Abuja, Okija, and Suleja. We in the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja deeply mourn the tragic loss of lives resulting from the unfortunate stampede also in our own Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama. This incident has left the archdiocese and the parish community in profound grief, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.

“The verbal demonisation, however, of the Catholic Church by some agents of government responding to the tragedy was needless. They should have been immediately concerned with assisting the church to explore safety methods to preclude future occurrences in our earnest desire to do good by denying ourselves what we need in order to help others without discrimination.

“The detention of our priest as well as some officials of our church and the threat to slam us with criminal charges is to say the least, uninspiring, unfriendly and a misplaced zeal, and one wonders what purpose these were meant to serve.

“None of those agents shouting criminal charges at the church cared about the traumatic impact of this tragedy on these volunteers whose only desire was to feed the hungry. No one, up to now, has cared to find out about their emotional and mental disposition after experiencing the devastating impact of people struggling to find food to eat for the day. I consider all those who so far, have suffered in connection with this tragedy because they dared to help, “the 2024 heroes of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.

“Up to this time of writing, no government agent or official has come in the spirit of compassion or empathy to find out first hand from the Church authorities what really happened and what they could offer so that the Church improves subsequent services to the poor. All one hears is that this sort of event must not be organized again without permission!”

Reacting to Kaigama’s criticism, FCT Police Public Relations Officer Josphine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police (SP), told The Nation that the police did not arrest the priest in charge of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, and others, as insinuated.

Adeh said they were only invited for questioning.

She said: “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 belief, are sacred.

“Furthermore, allegations suggesting that we are attempting to demonise the church’s almsgiving or humanitarian efforts are entirely baseless and disappointing. Our actions are motivated solely by the need to uncover the truth and ensure accountability, where necessary.

“As our investigation progresses, it is possible that those who were previously invited may be called back for further questioning, if deemed necessary. We remain committed to conducting a thorough and impartial enquiry into this matter.”