Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow and offered prayers for the victims of several tragic stampedes that have claimed lives across Nigeria, calling the incidents a national tragedy.
In Okija, Anambra State, a Christmas palliative distribution event on Saturday turned disastrous as 22 people lost their lives and many others were injured in an early morning stampede.
The same day, in Abuja, ten people perished during an annual Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama.
Earlier in the week, another stampede occurred at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, during a holiday funfair celebration, claiming the lives of several children, with others being rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) for treatment.
In his condolence message, Vice President Shettima expressed his profound sadness over the incidents and offered prayers for the victims and their families.
“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,” he said.
The Vice President also lamented the loss of many lives, especially children, and stressed that such events could have been prevented with proper planning.
“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.
VP Shettima assured affected families of the federal government’s support during this difficult time, stating, “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 further directed relevant agencies to offer immediate aid to those affected, emphasizing that the recovery of the injured would be a priority.