The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered a probe into the stampede at a food distribution event in Abuja and Anambra State.
At least ten persons died and many others were injured during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.
Three persons were also confirmed dead and several others were wounded in a philanthropic drive in Okija, Anambra State.
In the wake of the incidents, IGP Egbetokun said negligence on the part of those distributing items is criminal.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Muyiwa Adejobi said the IGP has mandated the commissioners of police in the affected states to probe the incidents.
The stampedes happened a few days after a similar incident during a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State. That one claimed about 35 lives, leaving scores injured.
He said, “The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganized 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 organizations 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, sympathizes with the bereaved families and wishes those injured a quick recovery.”
He stated that the organisers of this charity are liable for criminal offences, citing relevant provisions 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.”
Reactions have continued to trail the multiple stampedes with President Bola Tinubu cancelling his events in Lagos State.
“President Bola Tinubu cancelled all his official events in Lagos today, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement.
”In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
In his own contribution, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election Peter Obi attributed the incidents to systemic failure.
‘Systemic failures’
“While I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organizers of these respective events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives and support to society, especially the poor, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society,” he wrote on X.
“The desperate quest for survival in these harsh economic times has driven our people to extremes in their search for food, often at the cost of their lives.”
