Stampedes: Government warns against palliative distribution without clearance
The Lagos State Government has mandated event organisers planning to distribute food items or palliatives to residents to obtain clearance to ensure public safety, especially during the festive season.
This directive was announced during a joint press conference held by the state’s Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations and the Ministry of Information and Strategy in Alausa, Ikeja, on Sunday.
Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, emphasised the need for crowd control and safety measures to prevent tragedies like stampedes and other hazards that have occurred in similar events across the country.
“We are here on behalf of the governor to tell Lagosians that he (the governor) feels concerned about the report of stampedes in some parts of the country and will not want such happening here in Lagos.
“In Lagos State, we have adequate preparations for every big event. Unfortunately, we got a report that at Sol Beach Victoria Island, there was a stage collapse during a show and fortunately, nobody died in that incident. This has made us say that we do not want the matter to just slide away.
“To prevent such occurrences in Lagos State, all individuals or groups that intend to hold an event or distribute any items at all to large gatherings of people are advised to seek clearance from the Safety Commission,” Omotoso stated.
He noted that the Lagos State Safety Commission, in collaboration with security agencies, is well-equipped to manage large crowds and will provide event organisers with the necessary support.
“Any act of charity should not turn tragic for our people,” he added. “Those who gather crowds recklessly without adhering to safety protocols will have themselves to blame.”
Gbenga Oyerinde, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and report emergencies via the state’s hotlines.
Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, highlighted that safety has always been a priority for the government, citing past measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He called on event planners and individuals organising gatherings of over 250 people to engage the Safety Commission to avoid negligence and ensure compliance with safety rules.
Read also: Dark christmas: stampede to death for fistful of rice, by Mohmood Tunde Hassan, PhD
The government’s proactive measures aim to ensure the safety of residents during philanthropic events and celebrations, reinforcing its commitment to public welfare during the festive season and beyond.
Previous Tragedies
In December 2024, Nigeria experienced three tragic stampedes in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State; and Abuja, claiming over 60 lives, including children.
In Ibadan, a Christmas funfair turned deadly when overcrowding led to the deaths of 35 children.
In Okija, 22 people died during a food distribution event overwhelmed by a massive turnout. Similarly, in Abuja, a crowd surged during a palliative distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, resulting in 10 deaths.
These incidents, driven by economic hardship and poor crowd control, highlight systemic failures in addressing poverty and ensuring safety at public events.
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