Atiku mourns victims of stampedes across Nigeria

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep sorrow over recent stampedes in Nigeria, which claimed multiple lives and left several others injured.

The incidents, reported in Okija (Anambra), Maitama (Abuja), and Ibadan (Oyo State), have drawn widespread attention and grief.

In a statement released on Saturday night, Atiku described the events as “heartbreaking” and said the anguish caused by the tragic loss of lives is “unbearable.” Referring to the incidents, he noted

“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.

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“The anguish is all the more unbearable, as these recent tragedies strike just days after the devastating loss of nearly three dozen innocent children in a similar stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State.”

The former presidential candidate offered condolences to the grieving families and extended solidarity to the governments and citizens of the affected states.

He also acknowledged the Catholic Church, particularly the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, where one of the incidents occurred.

Atiku called for stricter measures in crowd management during large gatherings, emphasising the importance of safeguarding lives at public events.

“Those entrusted with the organisation of such large-scale events must take the utmost care in crowd management, prioritising the safety and well-being of all participants,” he added.