The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the parish priest and officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja over their roles in a fatal stampede in the Nigerian capital.
Police said they were investigating the stampede in Abuja as well as two others in Anambra and Oyo.
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At least 10 people died during the distribution of groceries to poor people at the Abuja church’s car park on Saturday.
In a Christmas message titled “Christmas: A Season of Hope and Renewal,” the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, announced and condemned the arrest of the church officials, saying it is counterproductive and lacking empathy.
“It is, to say the least, uninspiring, unfriendly, and a misplaced zeal. One wonders what purpose these arrests were meant to serve,” Mr. Kaigama said.
He urged authorities to assist the church and organisers in recovering from the trauma rather than threatening prosecution.