Bloody Saturday As Stamped Kill 10 In Abuja, Scores In Anambra
•••IGP Warns Against Unorganized Distribution Of Palliatives, Funfairs
•By Our Reporter
ABUJA – Tragedy occurred in the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja in the early hours of Saturday at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama where 10 persons were confirmed dead while several others were critically injured.
It was a stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals by the Catholic Church located in the highbrow area of Maitama.
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 death of several individuals.
At the moment, three persons have been confirmed dead while many injured have been taken to various hospitals for adequate treatment.l, according to the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters, on Saturday afternoon.
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According to ACP Adejobi, 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.
He described this incidents as “worrisome and calls for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of this country, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly.”
In his words, “This warning follows a series of tragic incidents that highlight the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general.
“It would be recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.
“The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganized distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
“The lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.
“In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives.
“The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities.
“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 tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless.”
The IGP has also ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidences for further legal actions. The Inspector-General of Police therefore sympathizes with the bereaved families and wishes those injured quick recovery.
•INDEPENDENTNG.