News
Catholic Priest, Church Officials Arrested Over Christmas Giveaway Stampede In Abuja
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/stampede.jpg&description=Catholic Priest, Church Officials Arrested Over Christmas Giveaway Stampede In Abuja', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/stampede.jpg&description=Catholic Priest, Church Officials Arrested Over Christmas Giveaway Stampede In Abuja', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the parish priest and officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja following a stampede that claimed at least 10 lives during a grocery distribution event on Saturday, December 22.
The tragedy occurred in the church’s car park when a crowd surge overwhelmed the distribution process. Witnesses said over 3,000 people, including residents from nearby settlements such as Mpape and Gishiri, gathered at the church as early as 4 a.m., hours before the event was scheduled to begin.
The arrests were confirmed on Wednesday, December 25, by the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, who attributed the fatalities to negligence by the event’s organisers.
“How can you organise an event of that magnitude without notifying the police? Ten lives, including children, were lost, and many others were injured. Doesn’t this warrant arrest?” Adeh said. She did not confirm if the parish priest was among those detained, stating that only individuals directly involved in organising the event were apprehended.
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, condemned the arrests in a Christmas message titled “Christmas: A Season of Hope and Renewal.” He described the police action as “uninspiring, unfriendly, and a misplaced zeal.”
“It is, to say the least, counterproductive and lacking empathy. One wonders what purpose these arrests were meant to serve,” Kaigama said, urging authorities to assist the church in recovering from the trauma rather than threatening prosecution.
President Bola Tinubu also weighed in on the incident, blaming poor planning by organisers for the fatal stampedes in Abuja, Oyo, and Anambra, which collectively claimed over 60 lives. During a presidential media chat on Monday, he called the incidents “a grave error on the part of the organisers.”
Abdulrahman Mohammed, Acting Director of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), announced that all injured victims from the Abuja stampede have been discharged from the hospital.
In response to the tragedies, the FCT Police Command issued new guidelines for organisers of large gatherings to prevent a recurrence.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the country’s benchmark interest rate, at 26.5 percent.
The decision was announced at the end of the 306th meeting of the MPC, held in Abuja on July 20 and 21, 2026.
All 11 members of the committee attended the two-day meeting, where they reviewed recent domestic and global economic developments before deciding to leave the benchmark lending rate unchanged.
The decision means the CBN has maintained its tight monetary policy stance amid efforts to sustain the moderation in inflation, stabilise the foreign exchange market and consolidate recent macroeconomic gains.
Details shortly…
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has approved a new minimum monthly pension of ₦50,000 for retired civil servants in the state.Government
The new payment will begin next month and means no pensioner will receive less than the approved amount.
The governor announced the decision during his appearance on a live entertainment programme, Taba Kidi Taba Karatu, aired by the Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in Yola at the weekend.
Fintiri said it was unfair for some retired workers to survive on monthly pensions below ₦10,000 after spending many years serving the state.
He said the increase was introduced to give retired civil servants better living conditions and allow them to enjoy life after leaving public service.
He explained that his administration has continued to improve the welfare of workers by paying salaries on time, approving promotions, employing qualified workers and improving pension payments.
According to him, the new pension package is another step in fulfilling promises made to the people of Adamawa.
The governor also assured residents that all projects started by his administration would be completed before the end of his tenure.
He listed some of the projects to include the International Conference Hall, a modern shopping complex, the NYSC Orientation Camp, the Mother and Child Hospital, road projects, school facilities and other public investments across the state.
By Gloria Ikibah
Al-Ittihad forward, George Ilenikhena has won praise after presenting a brand new car to renowned cleric, Apostle Okechukwu Etiaka, in appreciation of the spiritual guidance, encouragement and support he received before rising to international football.
The thoughtful gesture was warmly received by members of the church and well-wishers, who described it as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering those who played a role in one’s success.
The presentation was an emotional moment as Apostle Etiaka received the vehicle with gratitude, while family members, church members and supporters celebrated the footballer’s act of generosity and offered prayers for his continued success on and off the pitch.
Beyond the gift itself, Ilenikhena’s action has been widely viewed as an example of humility and gratitude, showing that success is not only measured by achievements on the field but also by the willingness to acknowledge those who helped make the journey possible.
The gesture has also drawn attention to the positive influence athletes can have within society. By recognising a mentor who stood by him before his breakthrough, the young footballer has reinforced the values of appreciation, loyalty and giving back to the community.
For many observers, the moment serves as a reminder that football is more than goals and trophies. It also provides a platform for players to inspire others through acts of kindness, encourage young people to value mentorship, and demonstrate that true success includes lifting others and honouring those who made the journey possible.
See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 21st July 2026
Breaking: CBN retains interest rate at 26.5%
Good news: State governor increases minimum pension for retirees
-
News24 hours agoFour Police officers facing trial for collecting N53k ‘egunje’ from ICPC chairman at checkpoint
-
News21 hours agoReps Probe Alleged Fake Presidential Council as Head of Civil Service Confirms Budget Participation, Approval for 314 Posts
-
News23 hours agoHeavy trouble for NBA as court asked to stop swearing in of President-elect, others
-
News23 hours agoAtiku demands answers from Tinubu over suspicious N12.8trn service-wide vote
-
News22 hours agoCourt sentences pastor to death for killing daughter over witchcraft claim
-
News13 hours agoTinubu Appoints former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, 25 Other Nigerians into Federal Agencies
-
News23 hours agoSix dead, 15 rescued as canoe capsizes in Jigawa
-
Economy13 hours agoOyedele exonerates TInubu, tells Senate TInubu did not borrow N82trn debt
Warning: Undefined variable $user_ID in /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/comments.php on line 49
You must be logged in to post a comment Login