Stampedes: Sanwo-Olu sympathises with Makinde, Ibadan, Abuja, Anambra victims’ families

•Calls for adequate planning, safety measures in humanitarian, charitable activities

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sympathised with his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of  Oyo State over the tragic stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which claimed 35 lives.

The Governor also extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones during the sad incident. 

Sanwo-Olu, has also sympathised with Nigerians, particularly the residents of Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following two reports of stampedes, which claimed many lives and left many others injured at Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.

He also extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones during the sad events.

The Governor said the two tragedies happening a few days after 35 people died in Ibadan during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, is worrisome and calls for concern.

He sent his messages of sympathy through press statements by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile.

Sanwo-Olu, who wished the injured a quick recovery, also sympathised with President Bola Tinubu, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, over the ugly incidents.

He said: “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 many lives during food distribution stampedes at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community centre in Okija, Anambra State.

“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I extend our deepest sympathies to all those who are grieving at the moment. We share in their sorrow and stand with them during this difficult time.

“Following the trend of stampedes leading to the untimely death of some people, I want to urge individuals and organisations to be cautious in how they carry out their charitable and humanitarian activities.

“Taking care of the needy and vulnerable at this crucial time is the best thing to do, but adequate plans and safety measures should be put in place to prevent the reoccurrence of the stampedes recorded in Ibadan, Abuja and Okija.

“We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampedes, and may the Almighty grant the families of the departed the strength to bear the irreparable loss.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence letter he personally signed and addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde titled “Letter of Condolence – Christmas Stampede Tragedy”, described the incident in Ibadan as devastating and offered prayers for the families affected by the tragedy.

He said the heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow of grief and mourning not only over Oyo State but across Nigeria.

“It is with profound sorrow that I write to express my heartfelt condolences to you, the government, and the people of Oyo State over the tragic loss of 35 young lives during the Christmas funfair stampede that occurred on December 18, 2024, in Ibadan. This heartbreaking incident, which also left several children injured, has cast a shadow of grief and  mourning not only over Oyo State but across Nigeria.

“The circumstances surrounding this tragedy—children gathering with the hope of joy, relief, and celebration—make the loss all the more devastating. The scale of this loss, compounded by the innocence and vulnerability of those affected, is deeply painful.

“I cannot begin to imagine the depth of pain felt by the families of the victims and by the wider Oyo State community.

“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I extend our deepest sympathies to you and to all those who are grieving. We share in your sorrow and stand with you during this difficult time. I also wish to express our solidarity with the families of the deceased and pray for the swift recovery of those children who remain hospitalised.

“May the Almighty grant the families of the departed the strength to bear this irreparable loss and provide solace to your administration as you work to bring healing to the people of Oyo State,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.