Stampedes: Dapo Abiodun, Hyacinth Alia commiserate with victims‘ families

Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, and Hyacinth Alia of Benue have commiserated with the people and governments of Oyo, Anambra, and the federal capital territory (FCT) over the recent deaths of some Nigerians during stampedes.

On Wednesday, more than 35 people, mostly children, were killed in a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

On Saturday, two stampede incidents also occurred in the Ojika, Ihiala LGA of Anambra and the Maitama area of Abuja during the distribution of rice and other palliative materials.

About 22 persons reportedly lost their lives in the Anambra incident, while 10 residents were confirmed dead in the Abuja stampede.

In his condolence message on Sunday to Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra and Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, Abiodun described the incidents as “heartbreaking”.

The governor, who is also the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), noted that the victims were only in pursuit of basic needs of survival before they met their untimely deaths.

He urged Nigerians to exercise caution and adhere to security protocols at 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 were in a festive and joyous mood. It is indeed tragic,” Abiodun said.

“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.”

Also, in a statement by Tersoo Kula, his chief press secretary (CPS), the governor of Benue expressed sadness over the losses that have plunged the country into mourning at a time when the world is in a festive mood.

Alia, who described the incidents as “painful,” appealed to charity organisations, philanthropists, and event planners to prioritise the safety of Nigerians, noting that the deaths were avoidable.

“Governor Alia equally prays to God to grant the grieving families the fortitude to bear the painful demise of their loved ones,” the statement reads.

In recent times, stampedes have led to the death of many Nigerians, with poor organisation, poverty, and other factors being major drivers.

Here is a timeline of stampedes in the country.