The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed serious concern about the unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during this festive period.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued Saturday expressed worry following a series of tragic incidents in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja.
He noted that the 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.
TheHintsNews reports that on the 18th of December, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.
Also, in the early hours of Saturday, 21st December, 2024, another tragedy struck at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.
He stressed that this unfortunate incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured.
Adejobi added that a similar incident also occurred 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.
He said at the moment, 3 persons have been confirmed dead while many injured have been taken to various hospitals for adequate treatment.
Adejobi noted: “The IGP 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.
“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.
“In light of these developments, the IGP has 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 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 Section 196 of the Penal Code and Section 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Adejobi said the IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidences for further legal action.