Stampede Deaths: IGP Cautions NGOs, Others Against Shoddy Distribution Of Palliatives
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has warned against unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items to vulnerable people in the country during the festive period.
Egbetokun issued this warning on Saturday while reacting to the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT as case studies in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Just on Wednesday, a tragic incident occurred in Ibadan where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the death of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.
Also recall that today, Saturday, 21st December, 2024, not less than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra State lost their lives in a stampede during an event organized to distribute rice to the less privileged.
The Pendulum Media also gathered that an unspecified number of people died in a stampede that occurred during the distribution of rice and other food items at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in the Maitama area of Abuja, on Saturday.
Emphasizing the dangers tied to these kind of events, the IGP urged community leader, groups, and NGOs to ensure public safety during distribution of palliatives and funfairs.
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
He noted that such unorganized events could result in stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
The IGP ordered the commissioners of police in the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into the incidents for further legal actions.
He equally sympathized with the bereaved families and wished those injured quick recovery.
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