The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has commiserated with President Bola Tinubu over the death of innocent Nigerians who died as a result of stampedes that occurred recently across the country. He also sent his condolences to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo.

In a statement issued by the Media Bureau of PFN, Bishop Oke extended the heartfelt condolences of all the leaders and members of PFN across Nigeria to President Tinubu, the governors, and in particular to the families whose loved ones lost their lives during the unfortunate stampedes across the country.

Lamenting that the stampedes occurred while the victims were trying to receive palliatives distributed to the less privileged by private organisers, Oke noted that the loss of about 60 precious lives, mostly children, was a dagger to the hearts of Nigerians. He prayed that God would comfort and strengthen Mr. President, the governors, and all the families affected by the deadly incidents.

Oke said: “The loss of almost 60 precious lives, mostly children, is a dagger to our hearts. We pray that the God of all grace will comfort and strengthen His Excellencies and all the families affected. Our thoughts are with them, including the injured. We wish them a swift recovery.”

The Christian body also commended the health authorities and first responders who bravely rushed to the aid of those in need, providing life-saving care during the critical moments.

Oke said their dedication and care are truly commendable.

Calling for thorough investigations and the immediate implementation of policies and structures designed to prevent such a calamity from occurring in the future, PFN stressed that stakeholders should ensure safety protocols at all gatherings, especially those involving children, must be a top priority.

“We must carefully examine the conditions that led to these catastrophes and take meaningful steps to protect all participants in future events,” the Christian body stated.

It, however, said that the stampedes that occurred are a pointer to the fact that there is serious hunger in the land.

The statement added: “It is symptomatic of a collapsed economy, despite the fact that Nigeria is a specially blessed and endowed nation. Our leaders need to pay more attention to enacting laws and putting in place policies and strategies that will make food more affordable to the common man. It is sad to see people struggling for food and getting killed in the process in a land that is flowing with milk and honey.”