Stampede: Lagos govt calls for clearance before distribution of palliative to large crowd
Following the stampedes being witnessed in some parts of the country, the Lagos State Government has asked individuals, groups, and others planning to distribute items to large crowds to obtain clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission before they will be eligible for the exercise.
It would be recalled that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered the launch into the devastating incidents caused by the distribution of palliatives and relief items during the festive period.
The Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, while addressing the journalists in Abuja on Saturday, said the IG has ordered the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to investigate the matter for possible legal actions.
The state governor’s directive was issued in a statement on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, saying the commission is equipped to ensure such events are conducted safely and to prevent tragedies.
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The statement reads: “The Lagos State Government has observed with serious concern the stampede during philanthropic gestures of individuals and organisations in some parts of the country.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sympathises with families whose loved ones were involved in the stampede that led to the loss of lives in some States.
“To prevent such occurrences in Lagos State, all individuals or groups that intend to distribute items to large gatherings of people are advised to seek clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission, which is well-equipped to ensure that such events do not turn tragic.
“The agency has a partnership with security agencies to ensure crowd control at locations with large numbers of people.
“Individuals and groups can register their events and get clearance through the Safety Commission’s platform lasgsafetyreg.com
“Any group that flouts these measures will surely face the legal consequences of its indiscretion.
“The Government has activated all its safety mechanisms, following a directive from Mr. Governor, who has also summoned a meeting of all safety agencies.”
The Informant247 had reported that a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, left 35 children dead, and many others were critically injured.
Meanwhile, 10 persons also lost their lives during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, where food items were being distributed to the vulnerable and elderly. Several others sustained injuries.
Similarly, a palliative distribution event organised by philanthropist Obi Jackson in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, ended in chaos, leaving three individuals dead and many others injured.
