- Safiu Kehinde
The House of Representatives has called for investigation into the tragic stampede incidents that occured across the country over the week.
This was contained in a statement issued on X green chamber’s spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, on Sunday.
Mourning the victims of the stampede which occurred yesterday at separate events in Abuja and Anambra state as well as the Ibadan disaster earlier reported during the week, the lawmakers expressed concern over the frequency of the events and its impact on affected families.
The House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, made the call the investigation into the heartbreaking incidents to avert future recurrence.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, reaffirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safety, well-being, and the protection of human life.
He also urged stakeholders to take precautionary measures in avoiding recurrence of the incidents.
Meanwhile, the green chamber commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his directive urging organisers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies.
The IGP had, according to the Force spokeperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, faulted the negligence on the part of the organizers which he said is a criminal offence that would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The statement read in part; “The House of Representatives deeply mourns the tragic loss of lives, including children, in three unfortunate stampedes that occurred in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja during a funfair and two charity events.
“These heartbreaking incidents, which occurred on Wednesday, and Saturday, led to the deaths of innocent citizens, including children, with many others sustaining varying degrees of injury in Ibadan, Oyo State; Maitama, Abuja; and Okija, Anambra State.
“These tragedies were reportedly caused by severe overcrowding at the events, leaving the nation in mourning.
“The House is deeply concerned about the increasing frequency of such incidents and the devastating impact they have on families and communities.
“These incidents serve as a painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger safety measures at public gatherings and events.
“Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, described the incidents as unfortunate and called for a thorough investigation to prevent a recurrence.
“He also urged caution during the Christmas and New Year celebrations and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
“As we mourn the loss of these young lives, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safety, well-being, and the protection of human life.
I urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future,” said Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
“As representatives, we call on all stakeholders, including security agencies, event organisers, and community leaders, to ensure proactive measures are taken, and to address gaps in crowd management and safety protocols at public events to safeguard the lives of all Nigerians.
“The House therefore welcomes the directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, urging organisers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies.
“The IGP emphasised that “negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” as stated by the Police Spokesperson.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of the departed, and we pray for comfort during this difficult time. May those who are injured have a swift and full recovery.”