Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has described the recent stampedes during the distribution of food items in parts of Nigeria as a national tragedy, offering prayers for the victims and expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
In Okija, Anambra State, a Christmas palliative distribution turned tragic on Saturday when 22 people died, and several others were injured in an early morning stampede.
READ ALSO: Anambra: 17 dead in tragic Christmas rice distribution stampede
On the same day in Abuja, ten people lost their lives during an annual Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama.
These incidents followed a stampede on Wednesday at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, where several children died during a holiday funfair celebration, with many others rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) for medical attention.
In his condolence message, Shettima said, “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.
“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 assured the affected families that the federal government would provide the necessary support to help them through this difficult 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.
