Senator Bukola Saraki on Thursday described as sad and painful the death of some of his followers in Ilorin during distribution of Sallah gifts.

Saraki, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial district, in a statement in Abuja, said he had suspended further activities in his Ilorin country home as a mark of respect for the deceased.

The statement read in part, "I'm deeply saddened to receive the news on the loss of some of our party members during a stampede after the Sallah festivities at the Charity House.

"Our party's (Peoples Democratic Party) strength resides solely in the support from party faithful which gives us huge confidence always.

"it's very painful to have lost these party faithful."

The Senator commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed that Allah would grant members of his party the strength to bear the loss.