A tragic incident unfolded during the “Christ the King Sunday” procession organized by the Catholic Diocese of Aba in Abia State, leaving two elderly women dead and many others, including children, injured. The annual event, held at Christ The King Catholic (CKC) Church along Asa Road, saw an overwhelming crowd of faithful from various urban parishes in the city.
The two women, members of Holy Cross Parish Aba, reportedly collapsed during the crowded procession. They were rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically passed away, likely due to suffocation caused by the large crowd. Several children who also fainted during the event were treated at a local private hospital.
Faithful participant, Modestus Kalu, expressed concerns over the recurring incidents of people collapsing during similar processions in the diocese. He urged the church to implement measures to manage the large crowds and prevent such avoidable tragedies.
“The environment and atmosphere were extremely unfriendly,” Kalu said. “The Catholic Church, as an advanced institution, should have prepared better to handle the population surge. While this incident is regrettable, it is a call for action to ensure it never happens again.”
Efforts to reach the Bishop of Aba Catholic Diocese, Prof. Augustine Echema, for comments were unsuccessful. However, a senior church laity confirmed that the diocese is working to contact the families of the deceased and address the situation.
Faithful across the diocese have called for prayers for the departed souls and comfort for their grieving families.
