Two elderly women tragically lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries during the Christ the King procession on Sunday, November 24, at Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC) in Aba, Abia State.
The annual event, which is celebrated by Roman Catholic and Lutheran communities worldwide, is dedicated to honoring the kingship of Jesus Christ.
This year, the procession, organized by the Catholic Diocese of Aba, drew an exceptionally large crowd, surpassing expectations. The congregation filled the church grounds, with worshippers spilling over into the area outside the church gates, leading to a dangerously congested environment. The sheer volume of people created a tight and uncomfortable space, which soon became chaotic.
Amid the crowd, two elderly women from Holy Cross Parish in Aba collapsed. Despite efforts to rush them to a nearby hospital, they were unfortunately declared dead upon arrival. Additionally, several children fainted during the procession due to the intense heat and overcrowding, and they were promptly transported to a private hospital for medical care.
Modestus Kalu, a member of the congregation, expressed his grief and concern, noting that although instances of fainting and collapsing during processions are not uncommon, this was the first occurrence of fatalities in such an event. He strongly recommended that the Diocese consider decentralizing future processions to prevent similar incidents.
Kalu proposed that the Bishop of the Aba Diocese direct individual parishes to hold their own processions within their church premises, rather than all congregating at CKC, where overcrowding has often been an issue. He believes this approach would not only reduce the risk of dangerous overcrowding but also ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in future religious events.
