Newscenter Media News Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the recent stampedes during food distribution events across the country as a profound national tragedy.
The incidents, which claimed multiple lives and left many injured, occurred in various states, turning what were meant to be acts of goodwill into moments of sorrow.
In Okija, Anambra State, a Christmas palliative distribution on Saturday ended in disaster when 22 people lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries during an early morning stampede.
On the same day, in Abuja, a similar tragedy unfolded during a Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, where ten people were killed.
These incidents followed a stampede on Wednesday at the Islamic High School, Basorun, in Ibadan, Oyo State, during a holiday funfair celebration. Several children lost their lives, and others were rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) for treatment.
Reacting to these tragic occurrences, Vice President Shettima expressed deep sorrow and offered prayers for the victims and their families.
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“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.
He lamented the preventable nature of the tragedies, emphasizing the need for better planning and organization during such events.
“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.
The Vice President’s statement underscores the need for better safety protocols during public events to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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