AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, following the tragic stampedes that recently claimed lives in Abuja, Ibadan and Okija.
The stampedes occurred during palliative distribution efforts organized by private individuals to assist the less privileged.
In a statement issued by the PFN’s Media Bureau, Bishop Oke expressed the deep sorrow felt by PFN leaders and members nationwide, particularly for the families who lost loved ones.
“The loss of almost 60 precious lives, many of them children, is a devastating blow to our hearts,” Bishop Oke said. “We pray that the God of all grace will comfort and strengthen His Excellencies and the families affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured, and we wish them a swift recovery.”
He commended the bravery and dedication of health workers and first responders who provided life-saving care to the victims. Their efforts, he said, were both timely and commendable.
In response to the tragedies, the PFN called for thorough investigations and the immediate adoption of policies to prevent future occurrences.
“Ensuring safety protocols at public gatherings, especially those involving children, must be prioritized. We must carefully examine the circumstances that led to these calamities and take meaningful steps to safeguard lives at similar events moving forward,” the statement read.
Bishop Oke also highlighted the deeper implications of the stampedes, describing them as a reflection of the severe hunger and economic hardship gripping the nation.
“This is symptomatic of a collapsed economy in a nation that is richly blessed and endowed. It is disheartening to see people risking their lives for food in a land flowing with milk and honey. Our leaders must focus on enacting laws and implementing policies that make food more affordable and accessible to the common man,” he said.
The PFN concluded with prayers for divine blessings and prosperity for Oyo State, Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole, saying, “May God bless Oyo State.
May God bless Anambra State.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
