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The Federal Government on Sunday extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in recent stampedes during food distribution exercises in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.
The tragic events, which occurred as people gathered to receive aid, have sparked calls for better crowd management at public events.
The PUNCH reported that no fewer than 39 Nigerians lost their lives following stampedes during food-sharing events in Okija, Anambra State, and Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the incidents as deeply saddening and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and others affected.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by these unfortunate incidents,” Idris said in a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim.
He emphasised the need for organisers of such activities to prioritise safety measures to prevent similar occurrences.
The minister advised all individuals and organisations planning charitable events during the festive season to collaborate with the police and the National Emergency Management Agency to ensure effective crowd control and security.
He noted that adherence to the directive issued by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was essential for safeguarding lives and maintaining order.
Idris also cautioned against politicising the incidents, stating that the stampedes were unrelated to the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He highlighted that similar tragedies have occurred in the past and called for unity and shared responsibility rather than assigning unwarranted blame.
“It is worth noting that similar unfortunate occurrences have been recorded in the past, before the current administration; as such, making any attempt to link these tragedies to the President’s reforms is unfounded and disingenuous,” he said.
The minister reiterated that the administration’s reforms aim to promote sustainable economic growth and improve the lives of all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable, without causing additional distress.
He urged citizens to ensure that the Yuletide season is marked by peace, goodwill, and safety for everyone.
