The incident occurred during a palliative distribution event organized by the church to support struggling residents in the area. The event, which drew a crowd of over 3,000 people, included attendees from Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.

Many attendees reportedly arrived as early as 4:00 AM in anticipation of receiving the palliatives. However, between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, the crowd surged forward in a desperate scramble, resulting in a stampede.

An eyewitness revealed that at least seven of the deceased were children, describing the scene as both chaotic and heartbreaking.

“Over 3,000 people came out to receive the palliative. It’s unfortunate. Some of them arrived as early as 4:00 AM. The stampede occurred between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM,” the eyewitness shared.

Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the tragic event and announced the indefinite suspension of the palliative distribution.

“Yes, it’s true but with sketchy details,” Padre Umoh said.

The church has since called for prayers for the souls of the departed and for the safety of all those affected by the tragedy.