The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has launched investigations into the chaotic organization of palliative distribution events across Nigeria, following a series of tragic incidents that have claimed numerous lives.
In a statement issued by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi in Abuja, the Police Chief directed Commissioners of Police in the affected states to conduct thorough investigations into these events, emphasizing that organizers could face legal action for negligence resulting in fatalities.
The latest tragedy unfolded in Anambra State during a rice giveaway at the Obijackson Centre in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area. A stampede erupted as women and children scrambled for relief items, including rice, vegetable oil, and cash, leaving multiple fatalities and injuries in its wake. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with footwear and personal belongings scattered around the venue—a haunting testament to the desperation of the crowd. Reports also revealed that several individuals collapsed during the stampede, with one woman critically injured and others rushed to nearby hospitals.
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This incident adds to a growing list of fatalities linked to unstructured relief distributions. A stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan recently claimed 35 young lives, while a tragic event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja resulted in 10 deaths.
Egbetokun expressed deep concern over the public safety risks posed by poorly managed events, highlighting the dangers of stampedes, violent confrontations, and other preventable outcomes. He extended his condolences to affected families and urged government officials, community leaders, and NGOs to develop a structured framework for distributing relief materials.
In a stern warning, the Police Boss emphasized that negligence in such matters constitutes a criminal offense under Nigerian law. He called on organizers to involve security agencies in planning and executing future palliative distributions to prevent similar tragedies.
