Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Bishop Augustine Echema of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, has blamed overcrowding for the stampede at the Catholic procession on Sunday that resulted to the death of five faithful with scores of others injured.
He, however, said investigation to unravel other details of the tragedy including the identities of the victims were on -going.
The Bishop, in a statement titled: “A Tragic Christ the King Feast Procession,” expressed deep sympathy for the families of the deceased and injured.
He said the incident was a big tragedy to the church, regretting that innocent worshipers fell victim of the unfortunate disaster.
The statement read in part: “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. 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.”
He, however, promised that adequate measures would be put in place to forestall similar occurrence in the future, and assured the support of the church to the affected families.
The Bishop prayed for the eternal repose of the souls of the victims.
“May their souls, and the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” he prayed.
According to reports, no fewer than five persons died during the stampede on Sunday while about 30 worshipers who sustained injures are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
The annual procession known as Christ the King Sunday, is a celebration of the Roman Catholic marking Jesus Christ’s messianic kingship and sovereign rule over creation.
