The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun warned on Saturday against the unauthorised distribution of palliatives and funfairs across the country.
Egbetokun raised serious concerns about the disorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items during this festive period.
This trend, he said, is worrisome and calls for urgent action to save the lives of citizens, especially vulnerable youths and the elderly.
The warning follows a series of tragic incidents highlighting the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and the public in general.
It is recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.
In the early hours of today, the 21st of December 2024, 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 unfortunate incident led to the deaths 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 resulted in the deaths of several individuals.
At the moment, 3 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 disorganised distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals, and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
Briefing reporters in Abuja on the incident, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long queues and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.
He said: “In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organised framework for distributing palliatives.
“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 will 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 wish to benefit from such distributions to tread cautiously, prioritising their safety to avoid unforeseen calamities.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts to create 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 action. The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathises with the bereaved families and wishes those injured a quick recovery.
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