Follow Us on Google
From JulianOyo, Obalonye, Ndubuisi Orji, Fred Ezeh, Abuja and Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Former president, Muhammadu Buhari, Governors Dapo Abiodun, Hope Uzodimma, Hyacinth Alia, Deputy Speaker of the House of Reresentatives, Benjamin Kalu and Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, have condoled with President Bola Tinubu, Governors Seyi Makinde and Chukwuma Soludo of Oyo and Anambra states respectively, the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike and the Catholic community in Abuja following the stampede which occurred during the sharing of palliative in which 65 lives were lost.
Buhari, in a statement, yesterday, appealed to the leaders to pass on his words of sympathy and support to families and friends of the victims while wishing those injured speedy recovery.
He extended his warm wishes to Nigerians on the occasion of Christmas and called on fellow countrymen to recall the noble teachings of Jesus Christ.
Buhari also extended his heartfelt wishes to Nigerians, praying that the new year would usher in immense prosperity, peace and good health.
Similarly, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, in his messages of condolence, lamented that the deaths of innocent individuals were particularly heartbreaking, as it stemmed from their pursuit of basic needs of survival.
Acknowledging the prevailing economic challenges faced by citizens, the SGF chairman emphasised that the administration of President Tinubu, together with other levels of government would continue to strive towards improving the living conditions of the citizenry.
He, therefore, urged all Nigerians to exercise restraint and adhere to security protocols during palliative distribution events to prevent any further tragedies.
“Deaths, such as these, diminished us as a people. These disasters came at a time when families around the world are in festive and joyous moods. It is indeed tragic.
“I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Ogun State commiserate with my brother Governors, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the families of the victims and all Nigerians, on these unfortunate incidents. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
Imo State Governor, Senator Uzodimma, described the incidents as a cruel irony of fate that philanthropic gestures intended to assist underprivileged Nigerians turned into sorrow and agony.
In a personally signed statement, he expressed regret over the loss of lives at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Maitama, and Okija in Anambra State.
He noted that the deaths at Maitama were particularly poignant for him as he is the Grand Patron of St. Vincent de Paul, the organisation that provided the palliatives. Moreover, he pointed out that the victims were his fellow parishioners while those who perished in Okija were also fellow Nigerians.
While commiserating with the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, and the entire Okija community, Uzodimma extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
He pledged that the Imo State government would assist wherever possible to ensure that the injured receive adequate medical attention for a speedy recovery.
He commended President Tinubu for his empathy and compassion towards the victims of the twin disaster. He noted that Tinubu’s decision to cancel his official engagements in honour of the victims demonstrated exceptional leadership and empathy.
He advised organisers of such events to implement additional security and protocol measures to safeguard the safety of beneficiaries.
In his condolence message to the President Tinubu, the families and victims of the sad incidents, Rev. Fr. Alia described the incidents as unfortunate and painful, saying, the ugly events have put the nation in mourning at a time the whole world is about to celebrate the birth of a Saviour, Jesus Christ.
He charged charity organisations, philanthropists, and event planners to always consider the safety of Nigerians, insisting the precious lives that the country has lost at this time would have been averted if proper safety measures were put in place.
While praying for a quicker healing for the injured, and eternal rest for the deceased, Governor Alia equally prayed to God to grant the grieving families the fortitude to bear the painful demise of their loved ones.
The Deputy Speaker, Kalu, while consoling the bereaved families and all those affected in the incidents, said there was need to organise food distribution efforts in a more structured and orderly manner, so to avoid similar tragedies in future.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives resulting from the recent stampedes that occurred in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State after that of Ibadan in Oyo State. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“I can only imagine the pain and grief they must be feeling, and I offer my sincerest condolences during this difficult time. I also commiserate with the government for the challenges posed by this unfortunate incident. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
Also grieving, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the devastating incidents have left a profound impact on the nation, highlighting the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety protocols during charitable activities.
In a statement she personally signed, she expressed her deep sorrow over the deaths of at least 39 individuals, including children, who were caught in the chaos as they sought essential supplies amid Nigeria’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The stampede in Maitama occurred early in the morning as over 1,000 people gathered at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church for food assistance. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated rapidly when attendees surged forward to receive their allocations, resulting in a fatal crush.
“As a mother, I understand the pain of losing anyone in death under such horrible circumstances,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated, emphasising her empathy for the families affected.
She condoled with the grieving families and expressed solidarity with the governments of the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra State during this distressing time.
The Minister condemned the inadequate safety measures that contributed to these tragedies. “These incidents are avoidable if adequate safety protocols are put in place.”
She called for thorough investigations into both stampedes to ensure accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the importance of proper planning for public events, urging organizers to conduct thorough crowd assessments before distributions.
“I urge all those planning similar charitable events to select spacious venues with minimal obstacles and schedule distributions at times when crowds are likely to be smaller,” she advised.
In addition to mourning the victims of the stampedes, Sulaiman-Ibrahim also paid tribute to late journalist Rafiat Salami, who recently passed away.
In a separate statement, she expressed her condolences to Salami’s family and colleagues within the Nigerian Union of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Describing Salami as a dedicated journalist whose contributions to media and advocacy for women’s rights will be sorely missed, Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that Salami’s legacy of resilience and integrity serves as an inspiration for many.
