The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has issued a stern caution to politicians, urging them to desist from “politicizing the tragic stampedes” that occurred during food distribution events in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.
He emphasized that these incidents should not be unfairly attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, as similar occurrences had been recorded during previous administrations.
Expressing heartfelt sympathy for the families and loved ones of the victims, Idris lamented the series of unfortunate events that claimed multiple lives.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command reported that about ten bodies were recovered following a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama. Meanwhile, in Okija, Anambra State, a similar tragedy claimed the lives of no fewer than 20 residents during a rice distribution event.
Just days earlier, over 35 individuals, including many children, lost their lives during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by these unfortunate incidents,” the minister said, adding that the tragedies highlight the urgent need for proper crowd management during such humanitarian activities.
While commending the intentions of organizers aiming to assist vulnerable communities, Idris called on individuals and organizations to adhere to directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
He urged close collaboration with police formations and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure effective crowd control and security measures, emphasizing that such preventive steps are vital to avoiding further loss of life.
Addressing the politicization of these tragedies, the minister firmly rejected any attempt to link the incidents to the administration’s economic policies.
“It is worth noting that similar unfortunate occurrences have been recorded in the past, before the current administration. As such, making any attempt to link these tragedies to the President’s reforms is unfounded and disingenuous,” he asserted.
Idris stressed that the reforms, which aim to reposition Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth, are designed to uplift vulnerable populations without exacerbating their hardships.
In a call for unity and compassion, Idris appealed to Nigerians to embrace a collective sense of responsibility as the Yuletide season approaches.
He urged citizens to ensure that the festive period is characterized by peace, goodwill, and joy free from preventable tragedies that mar the nation’s spirit.