The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has voiced worry about the unorganised distribution of palliatives and humanitarian supplies across Nigeria during the festive season.
In recent days, a number of regrettable instances have underlined the need for a more structured and secure approach to aid distribution.
On December 18, 2024, a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, killed 35 children and gravely injured many others.
Another horrific tragedy occurred on December 21, 2024, when ten people died in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, where food was being provided to the elderly and weak. Several others suffered wounds.
Similarly, a palliative distribution ceremony sponsored by benefactor Obi Jackson in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, ended in mayhem, killing three people and injuring many more.
Addressing media in Abuja on Saturday, Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi stated that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to investigate the situation for possible legal action.
He said, “The IGP emphasised the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganised distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals, and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
“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, 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 ordered the commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidents for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, sympathises with the bereaved families and wishes those injured a quick recovery.”
He added that the organisers of this charity are criminally accountable, citing clauses in Nigeria’s Penal and Criminal Codes.
Adejobi said, “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 would 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.”
