Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has mourned the tragic loss of lives in recent stampedes that occurred during food distribution events in Maitama, Abuja, and Okija, Anambra State......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
According to her, these devastating incidents have left a profound impact on the nation, highlighting the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety protocols during charitable activities.
In a heartfelt statement she personally signed, Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed her deep sorrow over the deaths of at least 39 individuals, including children, who were caught in the chaos as they sought essential supplies amid Nigeria’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The stampede in Maitama occurred early in the morning as over 1,000 people gathered at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church for food assistance. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated rapidly when attendees surged forward to receive their allocations, resulting in a fatal crush.
“As a mother, I understand the pain of losing anyone in death under such horrible circumstances,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated, emphasising her empathy for the families affected.
She condoled with the grieving families and expressed solidarity with the governments of the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra State during this distressing time.
The Minister condemned the inadequate safety measures that contributed to these tragedies. “These incidents are avoidable if adequate safety protocols are put in place,” she said.
She called for thorough investigations into both stampedes to ensure accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the importance of proper planning for public events, urging organizers to conduct thorough crowd assessments before distributions. “I urge all those planning similar charitable events to select spacious venues with minimal obstacles and schedule distributions at times when crowds are likely to be smaller,” she advised.
In addition to mourning the victims of the stampedes, Sulaiman-Ibrahim also paid tribute to late journalist Rafiat Salami, who recently passed away.
In a separate statement, she expressed her condolences to Salami’s family and colleagues within the Nigerian Union of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Describing Salami as a dedicated journalist whose contributions to media and advocacy for women’s rights will be sorely missed, Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that Salami’s legacy of resilience and integrity serves as an inspiration for many.
“Hajiya Salami was not only a trailblazer in journalism but also exemplified strength and compassion in her personal life,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim remarked. “Her journey as a mother raising a child with special needs has inspired countless others facing similar challenges.”
The Minister concluded her statements by assuring Nigerian women that under her leadership, efforts will be made to empower them economically and socially. “We will strive to create an environment where every woman can make an impact at different levels of society,” she affirmed.
