Several Nigerian states have begun implementing strict precautionary measures for distributing relief materials in the Yuletide and beyond. According to Punch, the strict measures were listed because of the deaths of 67 people, including 35 children, in stampedes in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State; and Abuja during funfair and food distribution ceremonies. The rush for free food items led to the deadly stampedes, with 35 children confirmed dead in Ibadan, 10 people in Abuja, and 22 in Okija.
The Lagos State Government has mandated that individuals and groups planning events expected to host more than 250 attendees must register with state safety agencies. Failure to comply will result in sanctions for event organizers. At a recent media briefing, State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, emphasized the importance of adequate crowd control measures.
“The Lagos State Government is seriously concerned about the stampede incidents in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja. Any individual, group, or organisation planning to distribute items or host large gatherings must obtain clearance from the state government and register with the safety commissions,” Omotosho stated. Organizers can also request ambulances from the state government for a fee.
Oyerinde encouraged residents to use the state’s toll-free emergency lines, 767 and 112, for prompt assistance during emergencies. Director-General of the Lagos Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, announced that the registration process for large gatherings had been streamlined online.
Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, introduced new crowd control guidelines for law enforcement, event organizers, and local authorities. These guidelines, established under the legal authority of the Nigerian Constitution and other relevant laws, require law enforcement to assess risks for all public gatherings. Organizers must inform local authorities of their events in advance, providing details such as the venue, expected crowd size, and timing.
Ajulo stated that events with over 300 participants must have on-site medical teams, ambulances, and emergency response plans. He stressed the importance of adequate police and security personnel at events to monitor proceedings and prevent incidents. The guidelines also recommend the use of CCTV cameras and drones to monitor crowds.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State called for a more structured and safer approach to distributing relief materials. In a statement, he expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and sympathized with the families of the deceased. Soludo urged individuals and groups engaged in charitable activities to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of beneficiaries. He recommended establishing multiple distribution points within communities and employing trained personnel to manage crowds.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has also taken measures to prevent similar incidents. In a statement, Otti urged event organizers to coordinate with the Abia State Homeland Security or Local Government Authority for necessary guidance and support. He emphasized the importance of implementing safety measures to avoid stampedes.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has decentralized the distribution of palliatives to avoid large crowds. Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, explained that local government chairmen coordinate the distribution to villages, ensuring that crowds are manageable. Similarly, Kogi State distributes foodstuffs to each Local Government Area, from where they are further distributed to wards and polling units, minimizing the risk of large gatherings.
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, stated that measures are in place to prevent such tragedies. Delta State Commissioner of Information, Ifeanyi Osuoza, called for stricter crowd management and control during large gatherings. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding lives and prioritizing the welfare of attendees, especially children.
A nursing mother from Abuja, who attended the food distribution event, recounted her experience, expressing gratitude for surviving the incident. A source at Maitama Hospital confirmed that most patients had been discharged, with two children still receiving care.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, advised event organizers to involve the police in future events to ensure safety.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary criticized the government for failing to address hunger and poverty, describing the stampedes as a result of the government's anti-people policies. The PDP called on Nigerians to hold the Tinubu-led APC administration accountable for the tragedies. The PDP Deputy Youth Leader and CUPP National Secretary both called for comprehensive plans to address Nigeria’s economic challenges and criticized the government's response to the incidents.
The National Publicity Director of the APC stressed that it would be unjust to hold the President responsible for the incidents. He argued that stampedes happen globally and are often due to inadequate security measures rather than government failure.
The recent tragedies have prompted various Nigerian states to implement stricter safety measures for public events. The aim is to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety and wellbeing of attendees. As states take action, it is hoped that these measures will create safer environments for public gatherings and prevent future tragedies.
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