African leaders have sent their heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of South Korea following the tragic loss of life suffered in the capital, Seoul, during Halloween activities.
Reports have it that at least 153 people, mostly women and young people in their 20s, have been killed in a chaotic stampede in South Korea’s capital, Seoul, after a huge crowd thronged a narrow street during Halloween celebrations.
Officials say 82 people were injured, 19 of them seriously, in a crowd crush in Itaewon’s entertainment district on Saturday night, as emergency services says, the dead include 20 foreign nationals, with the majority of victims being teenagers and young adults.
Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari extended his heartfelt condolences South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeo, the Government and people, as well to families of victims of the tragic incident at Itaewon in Seoul district.
In a statement released by his Media aide, Femi Adesina on Sunday, the President sent prayerful wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured, healing and comfort to entire nation as they grieve the heart-breaking loss of over 150 people, mostly teenagers and people in their twenties.
Buhari assured President Yoon that Nigeria stands with the people of Korea at this difficult and trying moment.
Also, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, sent his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of South Korea over the stampede.
Ramaphosa said that the people of South Africa join the people of South Korea in mourning the lives lost in the tragic incident, while wishing all those injured speedy recoveries.
South African recalled the excellent bilateral political, economic, trade and people-to-people relations that exist between South Africa and South Korea.
On his Twitter handle, Kenyan President, William Ruto said Kenya mourns with the people of South Korea following the tragic crush that claimed many lives. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected”.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has declared a period for national mourning following the untimely demise of the more than 150 people in a stampede.
Halloween is a relatively new holiday in South Korea, and it is undoubtedly an import of American culture, which is popular in the country, while trick-or-treating is not common, and houses are not usually decorated in a spooky manner, the holiday is popular among teenagers.