By John Joseph
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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning against the unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items during the festive period. This warning comes on the heels of recent tragic stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which resulted in the loss of numerous lives.
Egbetokun’s warning was prompted by the devastating incidents, including a stampede at a children’s fun fair in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured. Similarly, a stampede in Okija, Anambra State, resulted in the deaths of over 20 residents during a rice distribution event. Furthermore, an unspecified number of people lost their lives in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja during a food distribution event.
The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during unorganized distribution of palliatives and funfairs, noting that such events could result in stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives. He stressed the need for a more structured and organized approach to distributing aid, urging government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive framework for palliative distribution.
Egbetokun ordered the commissioners of police in the affected states to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents, with a view to taking further legal actions. He also extended his sympathies to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution. The Force has urged organizers of palliative distribution events to ensure the involvement of security agencies, emphasizing that negligence on their part would not be overlooked.
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