The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ogoja, Rt. Rev’d Ifeanyi Akunna, has mourned a woman reportedly trampled to death during a food distribution programme organised by the Cross River State Government in Ogoja on Thursday.
In a statement he personally signed, Akunna expressed condolences to the bereaved family and sympathy for others injured in the stampede, describing the incident as a tragic loss of life.
“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,” he said, praying that the Holy Spirit would comfort and strengthen them.
The bishop also commiserated with the government and people of Cross River State, lamenting that an initiative intended to provide relief had ended in tragedy.
While commending the state government’s welfare initiatives, he urged the authorities to ensure adequate security, effective crowd control and proper coordination of future distributions to prevent a recurrence.
He also praised Governor Bassey Otu for pledging to cover the medical expenses of injured victims, urging the government to sustain the support until their recovery.
Akunna further commended the Nigerian military and police for their timely intervention, which he said helped restore order and prevent further casualties.
