By Our Correspondent
The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye), the apex organization representing Yoruba people globally, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in three separate stampede incidents that occurred during festive charity events in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.
The first incident, which took place during a children’s Christmas carnival organized by Her Majesty, Queen Naomi Silekunola in Ibadan, claimed the lives of 35 individuals, mostly children. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday, leaving families and the nation in mourning.
Further compounding the grief, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, a stampede occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, during the distribution of Christmas palliatives. At least 10 people, including children, lost their lives. That same day, in Okija, Anambra State, another distribution event organized by Obi Jackson led to a stampede that claimed 22 lives, with reports suggesting the death toll may rise further.
In a statement signed by the council’s president, Aare Oladotun Hassan, the Yoruba Council Worldwide extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incidents as “sorrowful and excruciatingly mournful.”
The council criticized the event organizers for failing to implement adequate crowd control measures, describing the lapses as preventable. It also called on all stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and NGOs, to collaborate on establishing organized and safe frameworks for distributing palliatives in the future.
While expressing its concerns, the council appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, and others arrested in connection with the Ibadan tragedy. Aare Hassan emphasized that the intentions of the organizers were rooted in compassion and a desire to bring joy to the needy, though the outcomes were tragically unforeseen.
The council also urged security agencies, healthcare providers, and organizations like the Red Cross to be actively involved in similar events to prevent further tragedies. It called for stringent adherence to safety measures, warning that negligence could amount to criminal liability under Nigerian law.
Aare Hassan implored the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation to discontinue the case against those implicated, arguing that they have shown genuine remorse and have learned from the tragic events.
The statement concluded by encouraging Nigerians to exercise caution at large gatherings during the festive season, urging security agencies to remain vigilant to prevent further calamities.
