The Ondo State Government has announced fresh guidelines to improve crowd control at public gatherings and prevent stampedes during philanthropic and social events.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, unveiled the new measures over the weekend in Akure. He said the guidelines aim to ensure public safety while allowing citizens to exercise their rights to peaceful assembly.
Ajulo outlined several requirements for event organizers:
Risk Assessment: Security agencies must assess potential risks, including venue suitability and crowd size, before granting approval for any gathering.
Event Notification: Organizers must inform local authorities in advance with details such as the venue, date, time, and expected attendance.
Security Deployment: Adequate security personnel must be available to manage crowds and handle emergencies.
Communication Channels: Event organizers and law enforcement agencies must establish clear communication protocols for swift responses.
Use of Technology: Surveillance tools like CCTV cameras and drones may be used to monitor crowd behavior in real-time.
Emergency Preparedness: Large gatherings (over 300 attendees) must have medical teams, ambulances, and trained personnel on standby.
Venue Requirements: Venues must have multiple exits and entrances to allow free movement, as well as clean water and sanitary facilities.
Ajulo emphasized that these measures, documented under Directive No. 01-1224, are legally binding under Nigerian law. He warned that non-compliance could result in legal action against organizers.
“The safety of our citizens is non-negotiable. These directives are a proactive step to prevent future tragedies and protect lives,” Dr. Ajulo said. He urged event organizers, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies to work together for the success of these measures.
He added that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration is committed to creating a secure environment for public events without fear of crowd-related incidents.
Ajulo also called on citizens to cooperate during public gatherings by following instructions and maintaining order.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility. Organizers must prioritize the well-being of attendees, and citizens must act responsibly to ensure safe events,” he said.
