Kehinde Fajobi
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of nearly 60 lives, mostly children, in recent stampedes during palliative distributions.
The incidents occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State; and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement, PFN President Bishop Francis Wale Oke described the deaths as a devastating blow to Nigerians. He extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, as well as the affected families.
“The loss of almost 60 precious lives, mostly children, is a dagger to our hearts,” Oke said. “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 PFN praised the swift response of health authorities and first responders who provided critical care to victims, calling their dedication commendable.
The fellowship urged thorough investigations into the tragedies and called for the implementation of policies to prevent such events in the future.
“Ensuring 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 statement said.
Bishop Oke also highlighted the economic issues underlying the stampedes, pointing to the urgent need for improved food security.
“It is symptomatic of a collapsed economy, despite the fact that Nigeria is a specially blessed and endowed nation,” he said.
“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.”