The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in recent stampedes across Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija. These incidents claimed at least 67 lives, including children and pregnant women, during Christmas-related events.
The council mourned the victims of the Ibadan stampede at a children’s Christmas carnival organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, as well as the fatalities in Abuja and Okija during palliative distribution events.
In a statement signed by its president, Aare Oladotun Hassan, YCW criticised the lack of adequate crowd control measures at these events. The council also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pardon Queen Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and others facing legal action over the Ibadan incident, emphasising their good intentions to support the needy.
YCW called for a comprehensive framework for organising palliative distribution events to prevent future tragedies. It urged security agencies, community leaders, and organisers to ensure proper protocols, including involving healthcare personnel and security forces, during such gatherings.
The council also advised the public to exercise caution during festive-season events and appealed to authorities to remain vigilant to prevent further disasters.
