Bishop Akunna Mourns Victims of Ogoja Food Empowerment Stampede

The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Ifeanyi Akunna, has commiserated with the family of a woman who was reportedly trampled to death on Thursday during a stampede triggered by a food distribution programme organised by the Cross River State Government.

In a statement he personally signed, Bishop Akunna said he was “deeply saddened” by the “distressing news of the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained during the empowerment distribution in Ogoja.”

“On behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Ogoja, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved 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,” the bishop stated.

He added, “Our hearts go out to the bereaved families, and we pray that the Holy Spirit, our Divine Comforter, will console, strengthen and uphold them during this difficult moment.”

He further prayed, “May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Bishop Akunna also commiserated with the government and people of Cross River State, describing the incident as heartbreaking.

“It is indeed heartbreaking that an initiative intended to bring relief, hope and assistance to the good people of Ogoja ended in sorrow, mourning and the needless loss of innocent lives.

“What was meant to be a gesture of goodwill and compassion has sadly turned into an occasion of grief,” he lamented.

While commending the Cross River State Government for its various empowerment and welfare initiatives, the bishop called for appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.

“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 recurs,” he urged.

He stressed that the distribution of relief materials and other public welfare interventions must be properly coordinated, with adequate security arrangements, effective crowd-control measures and respect for the dignity and safety of every human life.

The bishop also appreciated Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to covering the medical expenses of those receiving treatment in the hospital.

He described the gesture as commendable and urged the government to sustain the support until the victims had fully recovered.

Bishop Akunna further commended the timely intervention of the Nigerian military and the police, noting that their actions helped bring the situation under control and prevent further casualties.