The people of Ebonyi State, led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, have joined Oyo State in mourning the tragic loss of about 40 children who died in a stampede on Wednesday.
Governor Nwifuru, represented by his Chief of Staff, conveyed his heartfelt condolences during the cancellation of a planned birthday celebration for Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The event, organized by Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman of the PDP (South East Zone), was put on hold out of respect for the victims and their families.
“On behalf of Ebonyi State, I offer our sincere sympathies to Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State during this painful time. Such events remind us to turn to prayer for the grieving families,” Nwifuru said.
The governor also commended the organizers for selecting Ebonyi State as the venue and assured them of support for any rescheduled date.
Chief Odefa, who was set to host the event, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that it turned a planned celebration into a moment of mourning. He encouraged the bereaved families to find solace in God.
“Our preparations were in full swing, but the shocking news of the stampede, where 35 children lost their lives, changed everything. We cannot celebrate while others are grieving,” Odefa remarked.
