Vice President Shettima Pledges Federal Support For Families Of Stampede Victims

Vice President Kashim Shettima said Sunday that the federal government will assist the families of stampede victims across the country.

Shettima expressed his sadness in Abuja over the tragic losses and offered his prayers and sympathies to the affected families.

The vice president called the incidents a national tragedy and shared that the federal government had instructed relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance to the affected 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, as per the official X handle.

"I am particularly distraught by the fact that so many lives of Nigerians, particularly children, have been lost in stampedes that ought to have been avoided through proper planning and organization."

Shettima said the loss of lives was a tragedy for the whole country, not just individual states. He prayed for the souls of the deceased and assured the families that the government would offer full support during this difficult time.

He also stated that helping those in hospitals recover was a priority and that the government would stand by them throughout their recovery.

The tragic stampedes occurred after people rushed to collect food from charitable organizations last week. In Okija, Anambra State, 22 people were killed and many others injured during a stampede at a Christmas food distribution event Saturday.

On the same day in Abuja, another stampede at a Christmas food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama resulted in ten deaths. Earlier in that week, a stampede took place at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, during a holiday funfair, leading to several children's deaths and others being taken to the University College Hospital for treatment.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow over the tragic incident at a children's funfair in Ibadan. According to multiple reports, 35 children died in a stampede at the funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday.