Police condemns Bishop Kaigama’s comments on arrest of Abuja priest over palliative stampede

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has condemned comments made by Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, following the arrest of the priest of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, and other church officials involved in the tragic stampede during the sharing of palliatives where about 10 people died.

The Archbishop had, on Wednesday, faulted the action of the police, stating that the arrest and detention of the priest and officials of the church and the threat to slam criminal charges on the church “is to say the least, uninspiring, unfriendly and a misplaced zeal, and one wonders what purpose these were meant to serve.”

In the message titled ‘Christmas: A Season of Hope and Renewal”, Kaigama advised government officials to focus on “helping the organisers and the church to overcome their trauma instead of compounding it through arrest, detention and threat of criminal prosecution.”

Kaigama also condemned what he described as the verbal demonization of the Catholic Church by some agents of government in responding to the tragedy.

But in a statement late Wednesday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine Adeh, faulted the allegations made by the Archbishop that the police was attempting to demonise the Church’s almsgiving or humanitarian efforts.

Adeh who described the comments as baseless and disappointing, stated that the police did not arrest the priest in charge of the church nor the officials as being insinuated as they were only invited for questioning.

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“In connection with the tragic stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, which resulted in the deaths of ten individuals and injuries to eight others, including children, we invited key individuals involved in organising the distribution of palliatives for questioning,” Adeh said in the statement.

“This step was taken to gain a better understanding of the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident. After their initial questioning, they were allowed to return home, as our investigation into the matter is ongoing.

“An invitation regarding a tragedy of this magnitude is not out of place. We are addressing the loss of human lives, which, in religious and moral belief, are sacred.

“Furthermore, allegations suggesting that we are attempting to demonise the Church’s almsgiving or humanitarian efforts are entirely baseless and disappointing.

“Our actions are motivated solely by the need to uncover the truth and ensure accountability where necessary.

“As our investigation progresses, it is possible that those who were previously invited may be called back for further questioning if deemed necessary.

“We remain committed to conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry into this matter,” she added.

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