BREAKING: Catholic priest arrested over Abuja Stampede

A senior Catholic priest in Abuja and several officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, have been arrested following a tragic stampede during a charity food distribution event that claimed 10 lives.

The incident, which occurred at the church’s premises, has led to widespread criticism. Sources confirm that those detained will remain in custody and could spend Christmas behind bars.

The arrests follow demands by the Islamic activist group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which called for similar action against organizers of the Abuja event and a separate tragedy in Okija, Anambra State, where 22 people lost their lives during a billionaire’s charity event.

MURIC argued for fairness, stating that organizers of a similar incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, were charged and remanded.

Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered investigations into the Abuja and Anambra events.

Reacting to the arrests, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, expressed disapproval of what he termed the “verbal demonization of the Catholic Church” by government agents.

In his Christmas message, titled “Christmas: A Season of Hope and Renewal,” Kaigama criticized the arrest and detention of church officials, calling it “uninspiring, unfriendly, and a misplaced zeal.”

He urged government authorities to support the church in addressing the trauma of the tragedy rather than exacerbating it through threats of prosecution.