.png)
3 weeks ago
11
Several states have started implementing strict precautionary measures to prevent tragedies at public events.
How Nigerians die in stampede
This was after stampedes during food distributions killed about 72 lives in Ibadan, Oyo state, and Okija community, Anambra state, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
State imposes new regulations for public events
In a decisive action, states list have listed conditions for palliative distribution.
Lagos state
The Lagos state government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mandated individuals and groups to register with state safety agencies when planning for events expected to host more than 250 attendees, both during and after the Yuletide.
The government emphasised that failure to comply with this directive would result in sanctions for event organisers.
The state commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, alongside heads of state safety commissions, made this known at a media briefing on Sunday, December 22.
They stressed the importance of adequate crowd control measures in preventing tragedies.
“The Lagos State Government is seriously concerned about the stampede incidents in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja. Any individual, group, or organisation planning to distribute items or host large gatherings must obtain clearance from the state government and register with the safety commissions,” Omotosho stated.
Ondo state
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state, through the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), introduced new crowd control guidelines for law enforcement, event organisers, and local authorities.
On Sunday, December 22, Ajulo explained that the guidelines were established under the legal authority of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Ondo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2015, and the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
The directives partly read:
“Law enforcement must assess risks for all public gatherings, considering factors like expected attendance, venue suitability, and potential security challenges.
“Also, organisers are required to inform local authorities of their events in advance, providing details such as the venue, expected crowd size, and timing.
“Adequate police and security personnel are to be assigned to events to monitor proceedings and prevent incidents. Others are event organisers and law enforcement must maintain open communication channels for real-time updates. Tools like CCTV cameras and drones may be used to monitor crowds.”
Anambra state
Also, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has called for more structured and safer approach to distributing relief materials to prevent stampedes and loss of lives.
Soludo, in a statement on Sunday, December 22, signed by his chief press secretary, Christian Aburime, expressed grief on the tragic loss of lives and sympathised with families of those who lost their loved ones.
“The event was with the noble intention of sharing relief materials to the less privileged during this festive season. However, the resulting tragedy underscores the urgent need for a more structured and safer approach to distributing such assistance to prevent stampede and loss of lives,” he said.
Abia state (Safety alert)
In the same vein, Governor Alex Otti of Abia state has issued a safety alert, to forestall similar disaster in the state.
In a statement on Sunday, December 22, the special adviser to the governor, media and publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, issued a ‘public safety alert’.
Otti urged organisers to secure a guide from Abia State Homeland Security or Local Government Authority for a large gathering of charity events.
“Organisers of any event that would require a large crowd of people, should get across to the Abia State Homeland Security or Local Government Authority for the necessary guide and support to ensure safety of attendees.”
Akwa Ibom state and Kogi state
In Akwa Ibom and Kogi, local governments are now coordinating food distributions in smaller, controlled areas to avoid crowd surges that could lead to stampedes.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has stated that his government had taken measures to avoid stampede in the state by decentralising palliatives sharing that attracts large crowd in the state.
Following the foot steps of his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi state has also applied measures by decentralising palliatives sharing, to avoid stampede.
Rivers state
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state said they had placed measures down to ensure such tragedy don’t happen in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Rivers state commissioner for information and communications, Joseph Johnson, said:
“I’m sure that the states that these incidents happened, including the FCT, didn’t envisage that things would turn out that way, especially at this period of the year that people are celebrating.
Delta state
The Delta State Government led by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, also called on organisers of charity events to put in place, stricter measures in crowd management and control during large gatherings this festive period.
The state commissioner of information, Ifeanyi Osuoza, confirmed and said:
“We are therefore calling on all those who wish to organise such charity events during this festive period to ensure and put in place, stricter measures in crowd management and control during large gatherings, as this is very important for safeguarding lives and prioritising the welfare and wellbeing, especially those of children who most of these events are meant for, at public events.”
Peter Obi addresses tragic stampedes across Nigeria
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that over 60 lives were lost in stampedes across Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija as citizens scrambled for food at events meant to provide relief.
Peter Obi initially criticized systemic failures in a now-deleted tweet but later commended the organizers for their efforts.
Obi calls for urgent reforms to address poverty, inequality, and food insecurity, emphasizing the need for safety at public events.
English (US)