…Warns Against Unorganized Palliative Distributions, Funfairs
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered all commissioners of affected states to commence investigations into the stampede which occurred.
This was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday.
NPO reports that this is following the stampedes which firstly occurred in Ibadan on Wednesday and two today in Anambra and FCT.
“The IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidences for further legal actions.” The statement read in part.
He expressed concern over the occurrence and called for urgent concerns to save lives of citizens, particularly the vulnerable youths and the elderly.
“This warning follows a series of tragic incidents that highlight the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general.
“It would be recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.
“In the early hours of today, the 21st of December 2024, another tragedy struck at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals. This unfortunate incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured.
“A similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several individuals. At the moment, 3 persons have been confirmed dead while many injured have been taken to various hospitals for adequate treatment.”
The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganized distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
“The lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.”
In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives.
The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as 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.
The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathized with the bereaved families and prayed for quick recover for the injured.