The Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians not to politicise the tragic stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, where dozens of people lost their lives while scrambling for food and palliatives.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued the appeal on Sunday, promising that the country’s current economic challenges would soon ease. He also expressed deep sympathy for the families of those affected.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by these heartbreaking incidents,” Idris said, describing the events as deeply saddening.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that 22 people died during a rice distribution event in Okija on Saturday. Governor Chukwuma Soludo has since issued directives to ensure that future charitable distributions are better organised to prevent further tragedies.

In Lagos, the state government has banned public gatherings for events without prior approval, warning that organisers who flout this directive will face prosecution.

The tragedies have prompted reactions from across the country, with former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other prominent figures commiserating with the victims’ families.

The PDP, however, seized the moment to criticise the APC-led government, describing the stampedes as a grim testament to the desperation and hopelessness engulfing Nigerians due to worsening economic conditions. Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) attributed the stampedes to the government’s failure to address the nation’s deepening poverty crisis.

The information minister rejected attempts to link the incidents to President Tinubu’s economic reforms. “It is worth noting that similar unfortunate incidents have occurred in the past, long before the current administration,” Idris said, calling such claims unfounded and misleading.

Idris emphasised the need for better crowd control during charitable events, particularly during festive seasons. He urged organisers to collaborate with the police and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure proper security and crowd management.

“The administration’s reforms are designed to improve the lives of all Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable, while repositioning the economy for sustainable growth,” he said. The minister called for collective responsibility and unity to ensure a peaceful and tragedy-free Yuletide season.