Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for improved crowd management at large-scale events following deadly stampedes at two food distribution programs.
The incidents, which occurred early Saturday morning, resulted in the deaths of several people, with many others left injured.
One stampede took place during a food distribution event organized by a church in Abuja, while the other occurred in the Okija community of Anambra State.
Atiku expressed his grief over the tragic events, saying he received the news of the twin stampedes with a “heavy heart and deep sorrow.”
Read Also: IGP Gives Fresh Directive After Abuja, Anambra Food Distribution Stampede
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I receive yet again the heartbreaking news of lives lost in tragic stampedes, this time in Okija, Anambra, and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, resulting in the untimely passing of many,” Atiku wrote in a post on his X handle late Saturday.
“It is imperative that those entrusted with the organization of such large-scale events take the utmost care in crowd management, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants,” he said.
Read Also: Tinubu Cancels Official Events After Abuja, Anambra Food Distribution Stampede
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 and 2019 elections recalled a similar incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, where about 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives during a funfair.
According to him, the twin stampedes coming “just days after the devastating loss of” lives in Ibadan, is the reason why his “anguish is all the more unbearable”.
“On behalf of my family, I extend my sincerest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in today’s tragic events,” the former vice president said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families, that they may find solace and with the departed, that they may rest in eternal peace.”
For More Information And News Update, Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
