The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has raised serious concerns about the unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during this festive period.
According to a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP described the trend as “worrisome” and “calls for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of this country, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly”.
Adejobi said that the 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”.
Last Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the death of at least 35 children, and left many others critically injured.
In the early hours of Saturday, 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. At least 10 people died and many others were injured.
A similar incident also occurred at Okija in Ihiala Local Government of Anambra State at a palliative distribution, set up by a philanthropist, identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several individuals. At the moment, three persons have been confirmed dead, while many injured have been taken to various hospitals for adequate treatment.
The IGP emphasised the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganised distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations (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 Police spokesperson said that the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and NG0s to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organised framework for distributing palliatives.
The statement further read: “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.
“In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritising 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 incidences for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathises with the bereaved families and wishes those injured quick recovery”.
