Vice President Kashim Shettima has labeled the recent stampedes at food distribution events across Nigeria as a significant national catastrophe.
These tragic occurrences, which resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, turned what should have been charitable acts into scenes of heartbreak.
In Okija, Anambra State, a Christmas palliative distribution on Saturday ended in chaos, leading to the loss of 22 lives and injuring many others during an early morning stampede.
Similarly, in Abuja, a Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, turned deadly, claiming the lives of ten individuals.
Earlier in the week, a stampede at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, during a holiday funfair celebration led to the deaths of several children, with others rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) for emergency care.
In response to these heartbreaking events, Vice President Shettima conveyed his profound sorrow and extended prayers for the victims and their families.
“I am deeply saddened by these tragic occurrences that have taken innocent lives. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families of all victims, including those injured and currently receiving treatment,” Shettima stated through his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha.
He lamented the preventable nature of these tragedies and underscored the urgent need for improved planning and organization during such events.
“It is particularly distressing that so many lives, especially those of children, have been lost in stampedes that could have been avoided with better planning and management,” he remarked.
“This tragedy is not just a loss for individual states; it is a loss for our entire nation. May the Almighty grant eternal peace to the souls we have lost,” he prayed.
Shettima assured affected families of the federal government’s dedication to offering necessary support during this difficult time.
“We are prepared to assist the bereaved families as they navigate this challenging period, and we will spare no effort in providing the support they require. Relevant agencies have been instructed to extend immediate assistance to the affected families. For those receiving treatment in various hospitals, their recovery is our top priority, and we will stand by them throughout this ordeal,” he affirmed.
The Vice President’s remarks highlight the critical need for enhanced safety measures at public gatherings to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
