Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his condolences to the families of victims affected by the tragic stampedes in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, which claimed numerous lives and left many others injured.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor described the back-to-back incidents as deeply concerning.
He noted that these tragedies occurred just days after a similar stampede in Ibadan, which claimed 35 lives during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun.
Governor Sanwo-Olu sympathised with President Bola Tinubu, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, as well as the affected families.
He extended his prayers for the peaceful repose of the victims and wished the injured a swift recovery.
I can’t imagine the depth of pains felt by families of victims of Ibadan stampede – Sanwo-Olu
“It is with profound sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences to Nigerians, particularly the residents of Anambra State and Abuja, over the tragic loss of lives during food distribution stampedes at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community centre in Okija, Anambra State,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He urged individuals and organisations involved in charitable and humanitarian activities to prioritise proper planning and safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
“Taking care of the needy and vulnerable at this crucial time is commendable,” he said, “but it must be done with adequate plans and safety measures to avoid the kind of stampedes that occurred in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.”
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his support for the bereaved families and called for collective efforts to ensure the safety of all Nigerians during such initiatives.