Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has mandated all government hospitals to offer free medical treatment to individuals injured in the stampede that occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja on Saturday.
Wike, in a statement on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, expressed his condolences on the unfortunate incident.
No fewer than ten persons lost their lives around 6:30 a.m during a food distribution event aimed at assisting the less privileged and elderly.
The victims include children lost their lives, and another ten sustained injuries as a result of the chaos.
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The minister affirmed that the FCT Administration would ensure that the injured receive the necessary medical care. He also stressed that moving forward, individuals or organisations intending to distribute palliatives, whether food or cash, must obtain police authorisation.
He described the event as “painful,” and offered prayers for the deceased and their grieving families.
Wike also commended the police and security agencies for their swift response to the situation, noting that their prompt actions were commendable.
The Acting Director General of FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammed equally commiserated with the victims of the stampede.
He urged organisations planning food distributions to collaborate with security agencies or FEMD for effective planning, aimed at ensuring the safety of participants.
Mohammed also recommended implementing a coupon system and organising beneficiaries into smaller groups to help manage crowds and prevent disorder that could lead to further stampedes.
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