The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an investigation into the deadly stampedes at food distribution events in Abuja and Anambra State, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
At least ten people lost their lives and many others were injured during a food distribution drive at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, aimed at supporting vulnerable and elderly individuals. In Anambra, three people were confirmed dead, and several others were wounded during a similar event in Okija.
Following the incidents, IGP Egbetokun emphasized that negligence by event organizers could be considered criminal. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Nigeria Police Force (NPF) spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi stated that the IGP had directed the Commissioners of Police in the affected states to conduct thorough investigations and take appropriate legal action.
“The IGP has ordered the Commissioners of the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into these unfortunate incidents for further legal actions,” Adejobi said. He also urged government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to collaborate on creating a more organized framework for future distribution efforts.
The IGP warned that organizers of such events must ensure the involvement of security agencies to prevent such tragedies, reminding them that negligence would be prosecuted under Sections 196 of the Penal Code and 344 of the Criminal Code.
President Tinubu cancels events in solidarity with victims
The deadly stampedes have sparked widespread reactions, with President Bola Tinubu canceling his scheduled events in Lagos State. “President Bola Tinubu canceled all his official events today, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, to honor the victims of the stampedes in Abuja and Okija,” said presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
“In this season of joy and celebration, we mourn with those who have lost their loved ones. Our prayers are with them for comfort and healing,” Tinubu added.
Labour Party’s Peter Obi blames systemic failures
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, attributed the stampedes to broader systemic failures. While expressing appreciation for the event organizers’ efforts to support the poor, he wrote on X, “These tragedies reflect the systemic failures plaguing our society. The desperate search for survival in these harsh economic times has driven many to extremes, often at the cost of their lives.”
The events have brought to light critical issues surrounding the safety and organization of such charitable drives, raising questions about the role of authorities and organizers in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
