NIGERIA: IGP Warns Against Unorganized Palliative Distribution As Tragedies Strike FCT, Anambra, Oyo States

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has expressed grave concern over the dangers posed by the unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief materials across the country, particularly during the festive period.

In a statement released on Saturday by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the IGP called for a more structured approach to delivering aid to avoid further tragedies.

This warning comes in the wake of a series of heartbreaking incidents. On December 18, 2024, a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured. Just days later, on December 21, 2024, another stampede occurred during a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals and injuring several others.

Similarly, in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, a palliative distribution organized by philanthropist Obi Jackson turned tragic, leaving three people dead and several others hospitalized.

The IGP highlighted the public safety risks associated with poorly coordinated palliative distributions, emphasizing the potential for stampedes and other fatal incidents.

He urged organizers, including government officials, community leaders, and NGOs, to collaborate with security agencies to ensure a safer and more efficient process for distributing relief materials.

Referencing relevant sections of Nigerian law, the IGP warned that negligence leading to public harm would not be tolerated. He called for the involvement of security agencies in such activities to prevent further tragedies and reiterated the Force’s commitment to creating a safer environment for aid distribution.

The Commissioners of Police in the affected states have been directed to conduct thorough investigations into these incidents, with a view to ensuring accountability. The Inspector-General also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.