The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police have detained Catholic Church officials in connection with a stampede that claimed ten lives during the distribution of food items at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama last weekend.
The arrests follow public outcry, including demands from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) group, for accountability regarding similar tragedies, such as the one in Anambra State, where 22 people died, and another in Oyo State that led to court proceedings.
Reacting to the arrests, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, criticized the government’s approach, describing it as “misplaced zeal.” In his Christmas message, he emphasized the need for compassion instead of criminalization, urging authorities to support the organizers through their trauma.
FCT Police spokeswoman SP Josephine Adeh clarified that those invited for questioning were released and said the investigation aims to uncover the truth. She dismissed claims of targeting the church, stating that the inquiry is focused on accountability and the sanctity of human life.
Further questioning of the individuals may follow as the investigation progresses.
