The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning against unorganised distribution of palliatives following stampedes in Abuja and Anambra that claimed several lives and left many others injured.
Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Saturday, described the incidents as “worrisome” and called for greater coordination to prevent future tragedies.
The stampedes occurred during separate food distribution campaigns for the needy in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least ten people died, and several others sustained injuries in Abuja alone.
Adejobi emphasized that negligence by event organisers is criminal and punishable under Nigerian law.
“The IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organised framework for distributing palliatives,” the statement read.
He further warned, “The IGP has hereby warned groups and organisers 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 has directed the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into the incidents. Adejobi also extended sympathies to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery.
Reacting to the tragedies, President Bola Tinubu canceled all his official engagements in Lagos, including his planned attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta.
“In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them,” Tinubu said through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The President also called for strict crowd control measures and better planning for charitable and humanitarian events to prevent similar occurrences.
The recent spate of stampedes, including the earlier tragedy in Ibadan that killed 35 children, has raised concerns about safety measures during public events in Nigeria. The police and the government are now urging organisers to work closely with security agencies to protect vulnerable groups, including youths and the elderly.
