By Francesca Hangeior

The Catholic Diocese of Aba has said that the stampede that claimed the lives of several worshippers during the annual Christ the King Feast happened due to overcrowding during the procession.

Reports said those who died during the feast held on Sunday included two elderly women.

An eyewitness stated that the crowd “was too much that there was little or no breathing space.”

However, in a statement dated November 25, 2024, and signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Most Rev. Augustine Echema, the church described the incident as unprecedented.

It assured all that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the tragedy, including the identities of the victims and the exact cause.

The statement read in part, “It is with deep regret and sadness that the annual joyful celebration of our Diocesan Feast Day ended in the most tragic way. Some of our devout and gallant Catholics, who joined the Eucharistic procession in a joyful mood, met their death due to overcrowding.”

The diocese extended condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathised with those injured in the incident.

“We condole with the deceased families and sympathise with those injured, who are still receiving treatment in the hospital.

“We pledge our support to the affected families and individuals during this time of grief and emergency,” the statement added.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, on Tuesday, ordered that vehicles without number plates should be impounded across the territory.

He also ordered the deployment of more personnel and equipment for patrols and stop-and-search operations throughout the nation’s capital.

Disu’s directive came on the heels of the rise in one-chance incidents in the FCT.

A statement by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, also said regulations regarding covered number plates and tinted glasses would be enforced.

Adah urged residents to bear with the command as some of these moves might cause inconvenience to commuters, among others.

She said, “The FCT Police Command is deploying additional personnel and equipment for patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance throughout the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative aims to combat rising incidents of ‘one chance’ crimes and car theft.

“We will be impounding vehicles without registration numbers, with only one plate, or using defaced plates. Regulations regarding covered number plates and tinted glasses will also be enforced.

“While these operations may cause some inconvenience, they reflect our commitment to the safety of all FCT residents and to deterring criminal activities targeting motorists and passengers.”

Adeh said through these operations, some vehicles had been recovered and suspects arrested.

She said, “Since launching these measures, we have successfully recovered stolen vehicles and apprehended ‘one chance’ robbers. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during these operations, and we advise vehicle owners to ensure compliance with all regulations.

“The FCT Police Command is dedicated to maintaining a secure environment. We encourage residents to report suspicious activities and cooperate with our officers. Your safety is our priority.”

By Francesca Hangeior

The world’s oldest man, Briton John Tinniswood, has died aged 112 at the care home where he lived in Southport, northwest England, Guinness World Records said on Tuesday, quoting his family.

Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on August 26, 1912, and died on Monday.

He became the world’s oldest man in April following the death of 114-year-old Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez.

“His last day was surrounded by music and love,” the family said in a statement, also thanking “all those who cared for him over the years”.

Born the same year the Titanic sank and living through both World Wars, Tinniswood told Guinness World Records that the secret to his longevity was “pure luck”.

“You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it,” he said.

He nonetheless advised moderation in all things to stay healthy.

“If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much, if you do too much of anything, you’re going to suffer eventually,” he added.

During World War Two, Tinniswood held an administrative role in the Royal Army Pay Corps, going on to work in accounts for oil giants Shell and BP.

He was a life-long supporter of Liverpool football club, and ate fish and chips every Friday.

The world’s oldest living woman currently is Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who is 116.