The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, Anglican Communion, The Rt. Rev’d Ifeanyi Akunna, has commiserated with the household of one girl who was reportedly trampled to dying on Thursday in a stampede triggered by a meals distribution programme organised by the Cross River State authorities.
In an announcement he personally signed, Bishop Akunna, mentioned he was “deeply saddened” by the “distressing information of the tragic loss of lives and accidents sustained in the course of the empowerment distribution in Ogoja.
“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,” acknowledged the Bishop.
He continued, “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,” stressing, “May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
The Bishop equally commiserated with the Government and other people of Cross River State, stressing,”it’s certainly heartbreaking that an initiative supposed to convey reduction, hope and help to the nice individuals of Ogoja led to sorrow, mourning and the useless loss of harmless lives.
“What was meant to be a gesture of goodwill and compassion has sadly turned into an occasion of grief,” he regretted.
“While we sincerely commend the Cross River State Government for its various empowerment and welfare initiatives, we also appeal that appropriate measures be taken to ensure that such a tragedy never re-occurs” urged the Bishop.
“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 appreciated Governor Bassey Otu’s “commitment to bearing the medical expenses of those currently receiving treatment in the hospital,” including that, “this compassionate gesture is commendable and should be sustained until the victims have fully recovered.”
Bishop Akunna counseled the well timed intervention of the Nigerian navy and the Police, saying the transfer “brought the situation under control and prevented further casualties.”
