President Bola Tinubu yesterday urged state governments and relevant authorities to enforce stringent crowd control measures after stampedes in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) claimed 39 lives. In a mark of respect for the victims, Tinubu cancelled all scheduled events in Lagos, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta.
Reacting to the incidents, Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi described the stampedes as manifestations of systemic failures in Nigeria. In a series of tweets, Obi lamented the harsh realities driving citizens to desperate measures for survival, despite Nigeria’s abundant resources.
The Catholic Church and Abuja Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama expressed grief over the tragedies, particularly the stampede at Holy Trinity Church in Maitama. Similarly, the Obijackson Foundation mourned the lives lost during its rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered investigations into the stampedes in Anambra, Abuja, and Oyo states. Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed that all large-scale palliative distributions must obtain official approval to ensure safety.
Tinubu emphasized the need for preemptive safety measures in event planning to prevent further tragedies. While extending condolences to the victims’ families, he reiterated that such incidents are avoidable with proper adherence to safety protocols.
Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), described the recent stampede during a food distribution event as a tragic turn of a noble initiative meant to provide relief during the Yuletide season. He urged parishes nationwide to implement robust crowd control measures to prevent similar occurrences. Umoh lamented the growing hunger and desperation in Nigeria, citing a lack of accountability amid reports of widespread corruption. He noted the alarming frequency of such incidents, with two tragedies recorded in a single week.
In his condolence message, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives and injuries sustained during the food-sharing event at Holy Trinity Parish, Maitama. He extended his sympathies to the victims’ families and the Archdiocesan community.
The Obijackson Foundation also mourned the lives lost during its rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State. In a statement, the foundation pledged to investigate the tragedy’s causes to prevent recurrence, reaffirming its commitment to philanthropy while promising to learn from the experience.
Inspector General of Police (IG) Kayode Egbetokun, through Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, ordered investigations into the incidents and warned of potential legal actions against organizers of such uncoordinated events. Citing provisions in Nigeria’s Penal and Criminal Codes, Adejobi emphasized that negligence in ensuring safety is a criminal offense and will not be tolerated. Organizers of public distributions were advised to involve security agencies to avert similar tragedies.
In Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu mandated the registration and approval of large-scale palliative distribution events through the Lagos State Safety Commission to ensure effective crowd management and safety. Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso warned of strict legal repercussions for non-compliance, highlighting the governor’s concerns over the recent incidents.
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