Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives during recent palliative distribution events in Abuja and Anambra State.
He described it as a cruel irony of fate that philanthropic gestures intended to assist underprivileged Nigerians turned into sorrow and agony.
In a personally signed statement, the governor expressed regret over the loss of lives at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Maitama, and Okija in Anambra State.
He noted that the deaths at Maitama were particularly poignant for him as he is the Grand Patron of St. Vincent de Paul, the organization that provided the palliatives. Moreover, he pointed out that the victims were his fellow parishioners, while those who perished in Okija were also fellow Nigerians.
While commiserating with the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, and the entire Okija community, Uzodimma extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
He pledged that the Imo State government would assist wherever possible to ensure that the injured receive adequate medical attention for a speedy recovery.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his empathy and compassion towards the victims of the twin disaster. He noted that Tinubu’s decision to cancel his official engagements in honour of the victims demonstrated exceptional leadership and empathy.
He advised organizers of such events to implement additional security and protocol measures to safeguard the safety of beneficiaries.
