Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the recent stampedes that occurred during food distribution events across the country, labeling the incidents as a profound national tragedy.
These tragic events, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, turned what were meant to be acts of goodwill into moments of immense sorrow.
Recall that on Saturday, a Christmas palliative distribution in Okija, Anambra State, ended in disaster when 22 people lost their lives, and many others were injured in an early morning stampede.
A similar tragedy occurred in Abuja on the same day during a Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, where 10 people were killed.
Earlier in the week, another stampede took place on Wednesday at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, during a holiday funfair celebration. Several children lost their lives, while others were rushed to the University College Hospital for medical treatment.
In response to these heartbreaking incidents, Vice President Shettima issued a statement expressing his profound sadness and extending his prayers to the victims and their families.
Shettima lamented the preventable nature of these tragedies, emphasizing the importance of proper planning and organization during public events.
The Vice President further noted that these tragedies were not only a loss for the individual states affected, but a loss for the entire nation. He prayed for the eternal rest of those who had died.
Shettima reassured the affected families that the federal government would provide necessary support during this challenging time.
The Vice President’s statement underscores the urgent need for better safety protocols at public events to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
“I am extremely saddened by these tragic incidents that have claimed innocent lives. My prayers and thoughts are with the grieving families of all victims, including those who sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment,” Shettima said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha.
“I am particularly distraught by the fact that so many lives of Nigerians, particularly children, have been lost in stampedes that ought to have been avoided through proper planning and organisation.
“This is not just a loss for individual states; it is a loss for the entire nation. May the Almighty God grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed,” he prayed.
Shettima assured affected families of the federal government’s commitment to providing necessary support during this trying time.
“We stand ready to support the bereaved families through this difficult period, and no effort will be spared in providing the necessary assistance they need.
“We have directed relevant agencies to provide immediate support to affected families. To those currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, their recovery is our priority, and we will stand with them through this challenging time,” he added.
