By Straightnews
Henceforth, Nigeria Police Force has vowed to treat indiscriminate and unorganised sharing of palliatives and relief items by individuals and orgnaisations during this festive period in the country as a crime.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, noted that deaths due to stampedes are worrisome, and calls for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of this country, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly.
Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who stated this in a press release on Saturday, said: “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.”
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In the early hours of Saturday, the December 21, 2024, tragedy struck at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals, which led to the death of 10 persons, leaving many others injured.
A similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several individuals.
This is as President Bola Tinubu cancelled all his official events in Lagos on Saturday in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State, the president’s office said.
The IGP emphasised 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.
The Force PRO said, “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 IGP also ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidences for further legal actions.
Tinubu cancels appearance at official events
Meanwhile, President Tinubu who grieved over the loss of lives cancelled all his official events in Lagos in honour of the stampede victims.
Mr Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the 2024 Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi, his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga wrote in a statement on Saturday.
The Nigerian leader is in Lagos, his home state, to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays.
“Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the state, were already seated when the president cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
“Commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, President Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately,” Mr Onanuga wrote.
He said the president noted the disturbing resemblance between the mishaps at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, and the tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier this week.
Mr Onanuga quoted the president as saying local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities.
“While praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampedes, President Tinubu wished a quick recovery to the injured.
“He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety,” the spokesperson wrote.
‘‘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,’’ President Tinubu was quoted as saying.
The president wished the Lagos State government, organisers of the Boat Regatta, themed ‘‘Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,’’ a successful and hitch-free festival.
