By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, has lambasted the Nigerian Police Force, holding them accountable for the tragic deaths of 115 Nigerians in recent food stampedes across Oyo, Abuja, and Anambra States.
Falana’s scathing criticism came during a public lecture in Akure, where he honored the late former Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
He emphasised that the Police failed to fulfill their constitutional duties, leading to the unacceptable casualties.
He therefore urged the government to compensate the families of the victims, stressing that the Police inaction was responsible for the tragic losses.
The lawyer cited the devastating incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, where 35 children died at a holiday funfair, 29 people lost their lives at a palliative distribution event, and 10 people were killed in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Falana also called on the Nigerian government to address the pressing issue of social insecurity, which is exacerbated by rising poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy.