IGP w@rns against unorganized distribution of palliatives
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM. has w@rned against unorganized distribution of palliatives and give aways.
Recall that a lot of lives have been l0st recently due to stampedes at various Christmas palliatives sharing and funfair locations within the country. Firstly, it was Oyo state, then Anambra, Abuja etc.
The law enforcement agency, The Nigerian police sent a press release yesterday, 21st of December 2024, to the public through its official X handle on ways to curtail this recent menace.
”PRESS RELEASE IGP W@RNS AGAINST UNORGANIZED DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES, FUNFAIRS. As 2 Other Incidences Hit FCT, Anambra.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has raised serious concerns about the unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during this festive period.
It would be recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tr@gic incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the de@ths of at least 35 children and left many others critically !njured.
In the early hours of today, the 21st of December 2024, another tr@gedy struck at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.
This unfortunate incident led to the de@th of 10 individuals, leaving many others !njured. A similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the de@th of several individuals.
The lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in ch@os, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.
The IGP has hereby w@rned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is cr!minal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Cr!minal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities.
Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the Force aims to prevent future tr@gedies and ensure such processes are seamless.
The IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ug*y incidences for further legal actions.
The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathizes with the bereaved families and wishes those injur*d quick recovery.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA. 21ST DECEMBER, 2024.”
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