The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Prof. Augustine Echema has confirmed the tragic death of some faithful during the Christ the King Feast procession held last Sunday.
According to the Bishop, the stampede that claimed the lives of several worshippers during the annual Christ the King Feast happened due to overcrowding during the procession.
Reports indicate that five worshippers lost their lives, while over 30 others, including children, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
The event, known as Christ the King Sunday, is an annual celebration in the Roman Catholic and Lutheran Churches to mark Jesus Christ’s messianic kingship and sovereign rule over creation.
This year’s procession drew a massive crowd, with participants spilling over into the church gate area.
The tragedy unfolded when two elderly women collapsed within the premises and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Reacting in a statement he personally signed and dated November 25, 2024, Bishop Echema described the incident as unprecedented.
In the statement titled A Tragic Christ the King Feast Procession, Bishop Echema attributed the incident to overcrowding and expressed deep sympathy for the families of the deceased and injured.
“It is with deep regret and sadness that the annual joyous celebration of our diocesan feast day, which occurs every 34th Sunday of the church year, ended in such a tragic manner.
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“Some of our devout and gallant Catholics, who trooped out in a joyful mood to join the annual Eucharist procession, met their deaths due to overcrowding,” the Bishop lamented.
Bishop Echema assured that the church would provide support to the affected families and take steps to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.
“He also revealed that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full details of the incident, including the identities of the victims and the exact cause of the events.
“May their souls, and the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” the Bishop prayed.
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