By Patrick Idowu
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command has criticized remarks by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, regarding the arrest of the priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, and other officials following a stampede during palliative distribution, which claimed about 10 lives.
Archbishop Kaigama, in a statement titled “Christmas: A Season of Hope and Renewal,” condemned the police actions, calling the arrest and threat of criminal charges against the church officials “uninspiring, unfriendly, and a misplaced zeal.”
He urged authorities to support the church in overcoming the tragedy rather than compounding their trauma.
He also criticized what he termed the verbal demonization of the Catholic Church by some government agents.
In response, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, refuted Kaigama’s claims, describing them as baseless and disappointing.
Adeh clarified that the priest and church officials were not arrested but invited for questioning to understand the circumstances of the incident.
“In connection with the tragic stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, resulting in 10 deaths and injuries to eight others, we invited key individuals involved in organizing the palliative distribution for questioning.
After their initial questioning, they were allowed to return home,” Adeh stated.
She dismissed allegations of demonizing the Church’s humanitarian efforts, emphasizing that the police’s actions were aimed at uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.
Adeh reiterated the police’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation, noting that those invited might be called back for further questioning if necessary.
