National Tragedy: VP Shettima mourns stampede victims, assures support for families
Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the recent tragic stampedes across the country as a national tragedy, mourning the loss of innocent lives and pledging Federal Government support for affected families.
In a heartfelt statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima expressed his deep sorrow and called for improved safety measures during public gatherings to prevent future occurrences.
The tragedies began on Wednesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, when a holiday funfair at the Islamic High School, Basorun, turned deadly, claiming the lives of several children. Survivors were rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) for medical attention.
On Saturday, two more tragic incidents occurred. In Okija, Anambra State, 22 people lost their lives, and several others were injured during a Christmas palliative distribution. Hours later in Abuja, a stampede during the annual Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, resulted in the deaths of 10 people.
In his statement, 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.”
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Shettima assured that the Federal Government would provide necessary assistance to the affected families and directed relevant agencies to deliver immediate support.
“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,” he stated.
“For those currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, their recovery is our priority, and we will stand with them through this challenging time.”
Shettima also called for improved planning and organisation during public gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future, underscoring the need to prioritise the safety of attendees.
The Vice President’s message reflects the government’s determination to address the recurring issues of stampedes during large gatherings, ensuring such incidents are prevented moving forward.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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