The Catholic Diocese of Aba has attributed overcrowding as the cause of a fatal stampede that resulted in the deaths of several worshippers, including two elderly women during the annual Christ the King Feast on Sunday.
The diocese attributed the tragedy to overcrowding during the Eucharistic procession.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Echema, described the incident as unprecedented and deeply regrettable.
“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 statement read.
The diocese expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and extended support to those injured and still receiving treatment in the hospital.
“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.
The church assured the public that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details of the tragedy, including identifying the victims and determining the exact cause of the stampede.
