The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a probe into stampede incidents in Ibadan, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Egbetokun, in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said negligence on the part of organisers of funfair and palliative distributions is a criminal offence punishable under the law.
Tribune Online reports that no fewer than 35 children died and many others were critically injured in a stampede incident at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Wednesday.
In a similar incident on Saturday, at least 10 people died at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.
Likewise, a stampede at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, at Okija, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State, led to the death of several individuals while many were injured.
Reacting to the developments, the IGP noted that the trend of stampede incidents highlights the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general.
ALSO READ: Hardship: 12 dead, 32 injured in Anambra Christmas rice distribution stampede
“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. 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. In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities. Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the Force aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless.
“The IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidents for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathizes with the bereaved families and wishes those injured quick recovery,” the statement reads.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
