Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has expressed sadness over the recent tragic incident that occurred during the Christ the King procession of the Catholic Church in Aba, Abia State, in which five persons lost their lives.
The procession was conducted by the Christ the King Cathedral in the commercial city.
Security men were alleged to have locked the gates of the Church with a resultant stampede leading to the loss of five lives.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Otti said the government emergency team would work with the leadership of the Church to investigate both the immediate and remote causes of the stampede
He also assured that his administration would collaborate with the Church to avert such incidents in the future.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, conveying Otti’s views on the Catholic feast tragedy
Otti commended the leadership of the Church and the government team for their proactive actions in providing medical care to the victims.
“The Abia State government received with sorrow and sadness the news of the death of some Catholic faithful during the annual Eucharistic Procession held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Aba.
“I’m deeply pained by this unfortunate development and send my condolences to the families of the deceased and the Church at large.
“I commend the government team and the Church leadership for their prompt response in providing medical support for the victims.”
The governor prayed for peaceful repose of the souls of the departed while wishing a quick recovery for the injured.
