- Deadly Stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra: Over 48 lives lost in separate incidents during chaotic palliative distributions.
- Police Issue Warning: IGP Kayode Egbetokun calls for organized aid distribution to prevent further tragedies.
- Government and NGOs Urged to Act: Structured frameworks and security involvement emphasized to safeguard vulnerable citizens.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has expressed grave concern over the increasing incidents of stampedes during unorganized palliative and relief distributions across Nigeria. The warning follows a string of tragic events, most recently in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states, where chaos claimed multiple lives.
On December 18, a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, turned deadly as at least 35 children lost their lives and many others sustained critical injuries in a stampede. Days later, on December 21, chaos erupted at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, where the distribution of food items resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and left many injured.
In a separate incident in Okija, Anambra State, three people were confirmed dead, and dozens were injured during a palliative distribution organized by philanthropist Obi Jackson. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as desperate residents scrambled for supplies.
IGP Calls for Organized Aid Distribution
Reacting to the tragic events, the IGP issued a statement urging government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to collaborate on creating a structured approach for distributing palliatives. He warned that negligence by organizers would face legal consequences under the Penal and Criminal Codes.
“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,” the IGP stated.
He emphasized the need for security agency involvement in future aid distributions to prevent such tragedies and ensure public safety.
Social Media Reactions
The incidents have sparked outrage and debate on social media. Many users criticized the government for failing to address systemic poverty, which forces citizens into desperate situations. Others called for stricter oversight of palliative distributions to protect vulnerable populations.
One X user wrote:
“How can this keep happening in a country blessed with resources? The government must step in to ensure people don’t die searching for food.”
Another added:
“We need accountability. These tragedies are preventable if proper planning and security are in place.”
Obi’s Reaction to Stampedes
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, also weighed in on the recent stampedes. He attributed the tragedies to systemic failures and urged the government to address the root causes of poverty.
“How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers?” Obi lamented in a statement.
Police Investigations Underway
The IGP has ordered thorough investigations into the incidents and has directed the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to take appropriate legal actions against negligent organizers.
As Nigeria mourns the victims of these avoidable tragedies, calls for systemic reforms and better planning in aid distribution grow louder.
