Abia State Governor Alex Otti has extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic stampede during the Catholic feast procession, which resulted in five deaths and several injuries. The incident is believed to have been caused by overcrowding at the Christ the King Cathedral, with reports suggesting that security personnel had locked the church gates, contributing to the chaos.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and assured that his administration would work closely with the Church to prevent such incidents in the future. He also commended the Church leadership and the government team for their swift actions in providing medical assistance to the victims.
“The Abia State government is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives during the annual Eucharistic Procession at Christ the King Catholic Church, Aba,” Otti said. “I am profoundly pained by this unfortunate event and offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Church community as a whole.”
The Governor praised the quick response of the government and Church leadership in delivering medical care to those affected. He further pledged that the state’s emergency team would collaborate with the Church to investigate the causes of the stampede, both immediate and underlying, to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.
Governor Otti concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
