Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for support for the victims of the tragic stampedes that occurred during palliative distributions in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.

In his Christmas message issued on Monday in Abuja, Jonathan also urged authorities to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Jonathan expressed sadness over the incidents and called for prayers and support for the victims’ families.

“As we navigate through this painful period, I encourage all Nigerians to show compassion and solidarity, especially during this festive season.

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“Christmas is a time of love, unity, and hope. It reminds us of the importance of caring for one another and working towards peace and harmony in our communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the South-West Governors’ Forum has condoled with Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State over last Wednesday’s children’s carnival stampede in Ibadan.

Chairman of the forum and Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, expressed the condolences on behalf of his colleagues when he paid a condolence visit to Makinde in Ibadan on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the early morning stampede at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, claimed the lives of no fewer than 35 children.

Abiodun described the stampede as unfortunate, stressing that the organisers had good intentions but which eventually turned into something else.

He advised that whenever private sector players like NGOs and charities wanted to embark on such initiatives, they should try and work with government.

In his response, Makinde thanked his colleagues for deeming it fit to reach out to him at this trying period.

NAN reports that other members of the forum are: Govs. Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Abiodun Oyebamiji (Ekiti); Lucky Ayedatiwa (Ondo) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos). (NAN)