Following the heartbreaking stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of several children, a cleric, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, has come to the defence of Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, and Prophetess Naomi, both currently in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Agodi Ibadan.

Prophet Alo, renowned leader of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, described the duo as kind-hearted individuals dedicated to supporting underprivileged children.

He highlighted their genuine intentions, despite the tragic outcome of the event.

The funfair, intended to be a joyous family gathering, descended into chaos when an eager crowd of parents overwhelmed the venue, leading to a stampede that caused numerous fatalities among children.

In a statement, Prophet Alo expressed optimism about the fate of those detained, emphasizing that if their intentions were pure, they would overcome the ordeal.

He also extended prayers and condolences to the families of the deceased, offering words of comfort and strength to help them endure their loss.

He said: ?Most of our people are ingrates; the duo tried, to no avail, to save some lives at the scene. I don?t mind what people might say about my disposition to the incident; I neither support nor oppose either Naomi or Oriyomi; there is nothing I wish to gain from them.

?If we continue like this, the philanthropists and good-hearted people in society will be fed up; let?s appreciate them and not shift blame onto them.

?My investigation revealed that Oriyomi has done a lot for the children; he has an orphanage home where he takes good care of the children, so will such a person be happy if something bad happened to the children?

?Queen Naomi, on her part, has also uplifted many children through her NGO; she has touched the lives of many underprivileged children. She has conducted this programme in many places, but the Ibadan event turned out unfortunate for her.

?If either of them has offended us before, don?t use that to speak against them because neither of them knew that something like this would happen.

?What many people want to happen to them will not occur because a truthful person will not perish in the position of a wicked person.

?To parents and relatives of those children who lost their lives in the incident, I know your pain and I sympathise with you; I feel your pain. God will grant you the fortitude to bear the loss.

?Some people have started reading meanings into the incident; some Yoruba now believe that there is no clean success without something beneath.

?Those in detention, mercy will arise for you because you have a good heart; you didn?t have bad intentions.?

The cleric, however, pleaded with Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, to temper justice with mercy and consider the good intentions of the duo during their trials in court. (The Nation)

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