Abia Church Feast Marred by Overcrowding, Resulting in Worshippers’ Death
The Catholic Diocese of Aba has attributed the tragic stampede during the annual Christ the King Feast, which led to the untimely deaths of several worshippers, to the high number of congregants participating in the procession.
Eyewitness accounts reported that several people including two elderly women were among the victims of the deadly stampede that occurred during the annual Christ the King Feast in Aba. One eyewitness described the overcrowding as so severe that “there was little or no breathing space,”
In an official statement released on November 25, 2024, and signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Most Rev. Augustine Echema, He characterized the stampede as an unprecedented event, emphasizing that such an incident had not occurred previously during the annual Christ the King Feast.
He further affirmed that thorough investigations are underway to establish the full scope of the tragic event, including the identities of the victims and the precise cause of the stampede.
The statement read, “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 Catholic Diocese extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives during the tragic stampede, and extended their compassion and support to those who suffered injuries
He said, “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.”
