The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items as well as funfairs in the country during this festive period.
The IGP gave the warning following a stampede at a children’s funfair on December 18, 2024, which resulted in the death of at least 35 children with many others critically injured.
On Saturday, December 21, 2024, another stampede occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals. The incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured.
A similar incident also occurred on the same day 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, three persons have been confirmed dead while many injured have been taken to various hospitals for adequate treatment.
According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP said the series of tragic incidents highlight the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general.
He lamented that the trend of stampede is worrisome and requires urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly.
He emphasised the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganised distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
In light of these developments, the IGP called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organised framework for distributing palliatives.
The IGP 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.
He encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritising their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities.
While sympathising with the families of the victims, the IGP ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidences for further legal actions.
