The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to organisers of distribution of palliatives and relief items to be more organised in the planning and execution of such events.
In a press statement issued by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commission of Police, who is the Force spokesman, the IGP advocated for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general.
It would be recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tragic incident occurred 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 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.
The incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured.
A similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government, 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.
Expressing concern over the incidents, the IGP noted that 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, he called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organised framework for distributing palliatives.
He warned groups and organisers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as any negligence on their part would not be overlooked, as provided for in Section 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In addition, the IGP advised members of the public who want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution by prioritising their safety to avoid unforeseen calamities.
While sympathising with the bereaved families and injured victims of the incidents, the IGP ordered the Commissioners of Police of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidences for further legal actions.
