The federal government has cautioned politicians and stakeholders against attributing political motives to the recent stampede incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, where dozens of individuals of lost their lives while scrambling for food and palliative items.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that the current difficulties faced by the nation would soon be over.
In Lagos State, authorities imposed a ban on public gatherings for any event without prior government approval, warning that organizers could face legal consequences if they fail to adhere to the new regulations.
The Anambra State Police Command provided an update on the deadly stampede that occurred in Okija during a food distribution event on Saturday, confirming that at least 22 people died.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra issued new guidelines on how food distributions by philanthropists should be conducted to prevent further fatalities.
The tragic incidents have drawn expressions of sympathy from several political figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the National Association of Seadogs, who extended their condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the families of the victims.
In contrast, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the events, labeling them a stark reflection of the widespread misery, poverty, hunger, and desperation under the current administration led by President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.
The information minister insisted that the tragic events were in no way connected to the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms.
He said, “It is worth noting that similar unfortunate occurrences have been recorded in the past, before the current administration, as such, making any attempt to link these tragedies to the president’s reforms unfounded and disingenuous.”
The minister also expressed deep sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives in the stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by these unfortunate incidents,” Idris said.
