The Cross River State Government has expressed profound sorrow over the reported loss of life following an alleged stampede at an empowerment distribution centre in Ogoja Local Government Area on October 22, assuring the public that the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident will be investigated transparently and appropriate measures taken to prevent a recurrence.
In a statement expressing the government’s deep concern, the state described the incident as a painful development that demands compassion, sensitivity and responsible action, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies to all those who may have sustained injuries. “We are deeply saddened and profoundly concerned by reports of this unfortunate incident. Our hearts go out to the families who may have lost loved ones, and we extend our thoughts and sympathies to everyone who may have been injured,” the government said.
Emphasising the sanctity of human life, the government maintained that the welfare and dignity of every citizen must remain paramount in the implementation of public programmes, particularly those designed to alleviate hardship and empower vulnerable members of society. “For us, every life is precious. No empowerment initiative, however noble its intentions, can diminish the value we attach to human life or the responsibility we bear for the safety and well-being of our people,” the statement declared.
The government also acknowledged the public anxiety and widespread concern generated by the incident, stressing that citizens’ questions and apprehensions would receive the seriousness they deserve. “We recognise the public concern arising from this development, and we wish to assure our people that their concerns will neither be dismissed nor treated lightly. In moments of grief and uncertainty, government must demonstrate empathy, openness and a willingness to confront difficult questions,” it stated.
On the way forward, the state government pledged an impartial investigation to establish the facts, determine the circumstances that led to the incident and identify appropriate measures to strengthen safety arrangements at future empowerment exercises. “We are committed to establishing the facts through an impartial investigation and taking appropriate measures to ensure that lessons are learnt and a recurrence is prevented. Transparency and accountability are essential to restoring public confidence and ensuring that our interventions serve the people safely and responsibly,” the statement added.
While urging residents to remain calm and exercise restraint in their public discussions of the incident, the government appealed for sensitivity towards affected families as the relevant facts are established. It reiterated its commitment to the welfare of Cross Riverians, noting that the immediate priority remains compassion for those affected, responsible engagement with the public and a transparent process capable of addressing legitimate concerns. “We appeal for calm and responsible public discourse as we prioritise the welfare of affected families. At this difficult moment, our collective humanity must guide our words and actions, while our commitment to truth, accountability and the protection of every life must guide the steps we take,” the government concluded.
