The Catholic Church in Aba has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic incident during the annual Christ the King Feast and Eucharistic Procession on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Overcrowding during the event led to the loss of lives and left several others injured, turning what was meant to be a joyful celebration into a somber occasion.

The tragedy, which is the first of its kind in the history of the procession, prompted the Catholic Bishop of Aba, Augustine Ndubueze Echema, to issue a heartfelt message of condolence to the affected families. He pledged the Church’s support for the bereaved and those injured, while also assuring that steps would be taken to prevent such an incident in the future.

An investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, identify the victims, and understand the factors that led to the overcrowding. The Church has emphasized its commitment to supporting the families of the deceased and those still recovering from their injuries in the hospital.

In his statement, Bishop Echema called for unity and resilience among the faithful, urging them not to lose hope despite the tragedy. He reassured parishioners that the Church would implement measures to enhance safety at future events while entrusting the grieving community to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

While the incident has cast a pall over this year’s celebration, the Church remains determined to learn from the tragedy and uphold the sanctity of the Christ the King Feast in the years to come.

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