|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary
WTO Director-General WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed condolences over the multiple tragic stampedes in Nigeria during this festive season, emphasising the need for systemic change to prevent such losses and hoping for a better 2025.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed her condolences over the tragic loss of lives in Nigeria during stampedes caused by the scramble for food and gifts this festive season.
In a heartfelt message shared on her official X account, she said:
“This is to wish all my friends and followers who celebrate a very merry Xmas and a Happy New Year! At the same time, it is difficult to celebrate when so many of our citizens lost their lives scrambling for food and gifts this season. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. May we all hope for a better 2025!”
The statement comes after a series of devastating stampedes across Nigeria claimed dozens of lives. In Ibadan, a stampede resulted in the deaths of 10 people, while another in Anambra saw 22 fatalities. A separate incident at a holiday funfair in Oyo State claimed the lives of 35 children.
On Saturday, two more stampedes in Anambra left 32 people dead, and another tragic event occurred at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, where 10 people, including four children, were killed during an early morning rush for palliatives.
The WTO Director-General’s message reflects the harsh realities many Nigerians face this season, as economic hardship drives citizens to dangerous lengths for essential items.
Her statement calls for hope and action, underscoring the need for systemic change to prevent tragedies and ensure a brighter future for all.
