ABIA STATE – The Catholic Diocese of Aba has attributed the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of several worshippers during Sunday’s annual Christ the King Feast to overcrowding during the Eucharistic procession.
Reports revealed that the victims included two elderly women, with eyewitnesses describing the crowd as overwhelming, leaving little room for movement or breathing space.
In a statement dated November 25, 2024, Bishop Augustine Echema of the Diocese expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as unprecedented. He assured that investigations are underway to ascertain the full details of the tragedy, including the victims’ identities and the exact circumstances leading to the stampede.
“It is with deep regret and sadness that the annual joyful celebration of our Diocesan Feast Day ended in the most tragic way,” the Bishop said. “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 heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathized with the injured, many of whom are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
“We condole with the deceased families and sympathize 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.
The incident has brought attention to crowd management practices during large religious events, as communities mourn the loss of lives and pray for the recovery of the injured.