The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic deaths caused by recent stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, which claimed at least 67 lives, including those of children and pregnant women, during Christmas-related events.
In a statement, the council lamented the fatalities at a children’s Christmas carnival in Ibadan, organized by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, as well as the deaths in Abuja and Okija during palliative distribution events.
YCW, through its president Aare Oladotun Hassan, condemned the lack of adequate crowd management at these events and called for a presidential pardon for Queen Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and others facing legal consequences over the Ibadan incident, highlighting their good intentions in aiding the needy.
The council also urged for the establishment of a comprehensive framework for organizing palliative distributions to avoid future tragedies. YCW called on security agencies, community leaders, and event organizers to enforce proper safety protocols, including the involvement of medical personnel and security forces at such events.
Additionally, YCW advised the public to exercise caution during festive-season gatherings and urged authorities to stay alert to prevent further disasters.