The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has warned groups and organizers of distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during this festive period to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked.
IGP Egbetokun's warning was delivered by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, today 21 December, 2024 while briefing journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
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
According to the Force PRO, the first tragic incident of stampede took place on the 18th of December 2024, 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.
In the early hours of today, the 21st of 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. This unfortunate incident led to the death of 10 individuals, 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.
He said 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 warned against indiscriminate and unorganised sharing of palliatives to crowds during this Christmas celebration.
The IGP emphasized 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.
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.