The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria(PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke has commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, and that of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo over the back-to-back fatal stampedes that recently occurred in Ibadan, Okija and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
It will be recalled that the stampedes occurred while the victims were trying to receive palliatives distributed to the less privileged by private organizers.
In a press statement issued by the media bureau of the PFN, Bishop Oke extended the heartfelt condolences of all leaders and members of PFN across Nigeria to His Excellencies and in particular to the families whose loved ones lost their lives during the devastating stampedes.
He 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 PFN spoke on the dedication displayed by health authorities and first responders who bravely rushed to the aid of those in need, providing life-saving care during the critical moment, describing it as commendable.
The PFN called for thorough investigations and the immediate implementation of policies and structures designed to prevent such a calamity from occurring in the future.
The release further stated: “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 catastrophies and take meaningful steps to protect all participants in future events.”
The PFN however said the stampedes were a pointer to the fact that there is serious hunger in the land.
“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,” Bishop Oke stated.
