Some Governors of diverse States have taken steps towards averting loss of lives during distribution of palliatives to the people.
This was resorted to after the reported death of 67 people at Ibadan, the Oyo State capital; 35 of them were children, 22 persons reported dead in Okija, Anambra State and 10 in Abuja during a funfair and food distribution ceremonies.
National Beam gathered that some of the participants in a rush to secure free food items were trampled upon, resulting in fatalities.
Reacting to the issue, the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, on Sunday, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, averred, “The event was with the noble intention of sharing relief materials to the less privileged during this festive season. However, the resulting tragedy underscores the urgent need for a more structured and safer approach to distributing such assistance to prevent stampede and loss of lives.
“It is strongly advised that future distributions of relief materials be conducted in a more organised and decentralised manner, with adequate crowd control measures in place.
“This may include establishing multiple distribution points within the community to reduce overcrowding at a single location.
“Implement a system to prioritise vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with disabilities; as well as employing trained personnel to manage crowds.
“Ensure orderly queues, provide assistance to those in need; and conduct public awareness to educate the public on safety protocols during such events,’Soludo stated’.
The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, also in a statement Sunday issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, on ‘Public Safety Alert’, said, “Organisers of any event that would require a large crowd of people, should get across to the Abia State Homeland Security or Local Government Authority for the necessary guide and support to ensure safety of attendees.
“The State Government strongly warn against any unethical practices like spraying or throwing of money, or gift items into a crowd of people, given its propensity to lead to a stampede.
“The government shall come down very hard on any person or group that ignores this safety directive.”
Otti further commiserated with the families and loved ones of victims of stampede that happened across the country.
For Lagos State, at a media briefing on Sunday, the State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, alongside heads of state safety commissions, stressed the importance of adequate crowd control measures in preventing tragedies.
According to them,“The Lagos State Government is seriously concerned about the stampede incidents in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja. Any individual, group, or organisation planning to distribute items or host large gatherings must obtain clearance from the state government and register with the safety commissions,”
They pointed out that event organisers could also request ambulances from the state government at a reasonable fee, adding that Lagos residents should utilise the state’s toll-free emergency lines, 767 and 112, for prompt assistance during emergencies.
The Director-General of the Lagos Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, further disclosed that the registration process for large gatherings had been streamlined online.
Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Rivers, Delta States have also put up measures to curtail such.
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