The Bishop of the Diocese of Ogoja, Anglican Communion, The Rt. Rev’d Ifeanyi Akunna, has mourned the death of a woman reportedly trampled to death in a stampede during a food empowerment programme organised by the Cross River State government in Ogoja on Thursday.
In a personally signed condolence statement, Bishop Akunna said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragic incident that also left several others injured.
“On behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Ogoja, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their beloved ones in this unfortunate incident. No words can adequately express the pain of losing a loved one, especially under circumstances that could have been avoided,” he said.
“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families, and we pray that the Holy Spirit, our Divine Comforter, will console, strengthen and uphold them in this difficult moment. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
The cleric also commiserated with the government and people of Cross River State, lamenting that an initiative meant to bring succour ended in sorrow.“It is indeed heartbreaking that an initiative intended to bring relief, hope and assistance to the good people of Ogoja ended in sorrow, mourning and the needless loss of innocent lives. What was meant to be a gesture of goodwill and compassion has sadly turned into an occasion of grief,” he stated.
While commending the state government for its empowerment and welfare interventions, Bishop Akunna called for better organisation of public distributions to prevent a recurrence.
“The distribution of relief materials and other public welfare interventions must be properly coordinated, with adequate security arrangements, crowd-control measures and respect for the dignity and safety of every human life,” he urged.
The Bishop lauded Governor Bassey Otu for pledging to bear the medical expenses of those injured, describing it as a commendable gesture that should be sustained until the victims fully recover.
He further commended the timely intervention of the Nigerian military and the police, which he said helped bring the situation under control and prevented further casualties.