By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples DemocrSokotoatic Party (PDP) has expressed sadness over the unfortunate stampede at the Sokoto residence of the Senator representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, at Gawon Nama area in Sokoto that resulted in the loss of lives and injuries during the distribution of Sallah items to crowds of people .
In a statement issued on Saturday by the party in Sokoto, it reads: “We wish to express deep sadness over the incident and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the no fewer than 10 people, who passed away, while praying for the recovery of victims, who sustained injuries at the scene of the regrettable occurrence”.
The release made available to newsmen in Sokoto by the PDP publicity Secretary, Hassan Sahabi S/Lawal also said, however, PDP wishes to call on security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the matter, with a view to forestalling the ugly incident in the future, as this is not the first time it is happening at the same place, due to poor arrangements, without regard to the safety of human lives.
“Our party believes that the people deserve genuine dividends of democracy, that will take them out of poverty, rather than the occasional spray of cash on the street and dehumanizing exercise of sharing out cheap items, at the cost of their safety.
“The PDP therefore, demands the payment of compensation to the families of those who lost their lives and others who were injured at the gates of Senator Wamakko”, the statement added.