December 23, (THEWILL) – The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged authorities to adopt enhanced safety measures to prevent stampede incidents, following the recent tragedies in Abuja, Oyo, and Anambra states.
The call was made by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in response to the stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, which claimed 10 lives, including four children.
The incident adds to similar tragedies in Ibadan and Anambra, underscoring the nation’s growing challenges with crowd management during relief efforts amidst a worsening cost-of-living crisis.
In a statement on Sunday, Okoh expressed deep sorrow over the Abuja incident, describing it as a heartbreaking loss.
“The National Leadership of CAN is disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama. At least ten people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while trying to seek help from the church,” he said.
Okoh conveyed CAN’s condolences to the Catholic Church and the affected families, emphasizing the human toll of such tragedies.
“This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member. We express our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and the families affected by this terrible incident. We stand with you in this time of sadness and prayer.”
He called for compassion and collaboration to prevent future occurrences, urging Nigerians to support one another during these challenging times.
“As we reflect on these devastating events, we invite all Nigerians to come together with kindness and understanding. Let us work towards creating a society where everyone feels safe and valued. Together, we can honour the memory of those lost by committing to a future filled with hope, where every life matters, and where safety and peace prevail,” Okoh added.
The CAN President also highlighted the need for better planning and oversight to ensure that relief efforts are conducted in a safe and orderly manner, particularly during crises.
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