Shettima mourns victims of tragic stampedes across Nigeria

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has described the recent deadly stampedes during food distribution events across Nigeria as a national tragedy, expressing deep sorrow over the lives lost. The Vice President extended his condolences and prayers to the victims’ families, while vowing that the federal government would support the bereaved and the injured.

On Saturday, a Christmas palliative distribution event in Okija, Anambra State, turned into a disaster as 22 people lost their lives in a stampede, with several others injured. In Abuja, another tragic incident occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, where ten lives were claimed during a similar food-sharing event. Earlier in the week, a stampede at the Islamic High School in Ibadan, Oyo State, led to the deaths of several children during a holiday funfair.

In his condolence message, Shettima emphasized the preventable nature of these tragedies, attributing the stampedes to poor planning and organization. He expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, especially children, and prayed for their eternal rest. “This is not just a loss for individual states, but for the entire nation,” he said.

The Vice President assured the affected families of the federal government’s commitment to provide immediate support. He confirmed that relevant agencies have been directed to offer necessary assistance, particularly for those currently undergoing treatment in hospitals. “We stand with the grieving families and will ensure no effort is spared in their recovery and support,” Shettima added.