News
CONFIRMED! Ten persons die in stampede for Christmas rice at Abuja Catholic Church
…as Police mandate organisations to get security approval, support henceforth
Another stampede for food items has killed ten persons at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.
The fatal incident happened on Saturday [December 21, 2024] morning.
The FCT Police Command has swiftly moved to the scene to maintain law and order.
In a statement by Superintendent Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command,
Abuja, the Police said the incident happened at 6.30 am.
The statement entitled: “TRAGIC STAMPEDE IN MAITAMA: FCT POLICE COMMAND CALLS FOR STRICT ADHERENCE TO EVENT NOTIFICATION” reads:
“The FCT Police Command expresses its profound sorrow over the tragic incident that occurred at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.
“This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30 AM, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of ten (10) individuals, including four (4) children, and left eight (8) others with varying degrees of injuries. Four (4) of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care.
“The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.
“The FCT Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. In a show of compassion and support, the Commissioner of Police Cp Olatunji Disu psc, has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.
“To prevent such tragic incidents in the future, the Command mandates that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance.
“This notification is crucial for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence.
“The FCT Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. We urge the public to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room at 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234.”
…call for stronger global cooperation against terrorism
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam area of India.
In a official statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government expressed deep sadness over the attack, which reportedly targeted mostly tourists and left several others wounded.
The statement reads in part: “Nigeria, having faced similar challenges, understands the devastating impact of such acts of violence and reiterates its call for enhanced global cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism”.
The government described terrorism as a “global menace” that must be addressed through collective international effort.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of India as they recover from this tragedy, and we stand united in the shared pursuit of peace, stability, and justice worldwide,” the statement added.
News
Ex-DIG,Olofu debunks online newspaper report, says ” I retired from NPF meritously after 35yrs service
Ex-Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Rhoda Adetutu Olofu has denied an online newspaper report declaring that the information published are mere fabrications.
The former DIG, in a statement she personally signed noted that:
“My attention has just been drawn to a publication dated April 26, 2025, by an online publication, *Sahara Reporters.*
“The said report purports than I was “discharged” from the police “over allegations of age falsification and violation of service rules.”
“A number of my colleagues who equally retired from the Nigeria Police Force, (NPF), were also listed in the same report. Nothing can be farther from the truth than this baseless concoction which attempts to stand gospel truth and reality on its head.
“To put things in correct perspective, I joined the Nigeria Police on March 3, 1990. I was barely 25 years of age at the time. I had indeed graduated with honours from the University of Ilorin in 1986, just about the time of my 21st birthday. I trained at the prestigious Police academy Kaduna.
“I served the Nigeria police force in various capacities. Notably: Assistant Commissioner of Police, (ACP) Establishment, Office of the Force Secretary; Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCP), Investment, Logistics and Supply Department as well as DCP, Administration, Training and Development.
” Similarly, I was DCP, Research and Planning; Commissioner of Police, (CP), Servicom, Research and Planning; CP, X-Squad, Force Criminal Investigation Department, (FCID) and CP, Ports Authority Police Western Command, Lagos. I was also AIG, Maritime Police Command, Lagos. I was redeployed to the Force Headquarters August 28, 2024, as Force Secretary of the Nigeria and rose to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police Force thereby becoming the first female Deputy Inspector-General of Police in the entire Northern Nigeria to the glory of God.
“I retired after attaining 35 years of service with unblemished record. As it stands, I am yet to attain the age of 60. Service rules requires that officers and personnel retire either upon the completion of 35 years or attainment of 60 years.
“For me, my 35th year in service preceded my 60th birthday. I retired contented, grateful to God for a career without blemish and thankful to the Nigeria Police for the opportunity to contribute my quota to national development. I was NEVER discharged from service as has been mischievously proffered.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has nabbed a renowned business executive and socialite, Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu.
Her legal team made this known in a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, her lawyer had reportedly told the Federal High Court in Abuja that she had already stated in her court documents that she would visit the EFCC today in connection with its ongoing investigation into an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered Achimugu to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to respond to allegations related to an ongoing investigation.
The court also directed that she must be present before it on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to continue proceedings in the matter.
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