The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has banned unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during the festive period over tragic stampedes.
Egbetokun issued the warning while reacting to the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force PRO, revealed this in a statement on Saturday.
Recall that a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan on Wednesday, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the death of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.
Also, not less than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra State lost their lives in a stampede on Saturday during an event organized to distribute rice to the less privileged.
Chronicle NG also reported that over 10 died in a stampede that occurred during the distribution of rice and other food items at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama area of Abuja on Saturday.
The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during unorganized distribution of palliatives and funfairs set up by groups, individuals, and NGOs.
He noted that such unorganized events could result in stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
The IGP ordered the commissioners of police in the affected states to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents in preparation for further legal actions.
He equally sympathized with the bereaved families and wished those injured a quick recovery.
