Christmas Stampede: Tinubu mandates strict crowd control to curb excessive yuletide deaths

President Bola Tinubu has urged state governments and relevant authorities to implement strict crowd control measures following the tragic deaths of 39 individuals in stampedes in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In response to these incidents, Tinubu canceled all his official events in Lagos, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta, as a mark of respect for the victims.

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed sorrow over the stampedes, attributing them to systemic failures in Nigeria, and highlighted the desperation driven by hunger despite the country’s vast resources. He criticized the state of affairs in Nigeria, where people are dying due to a lack of food.

READ ALSO: Competition hits oil market as Dangote and NNPCL reduce pump price

The Catholic Church in Nigeria, along with Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, also mourned the victims of the stampede during a food distribution at the Holy Trinity Church in Maitama, Abuja. The Church described the tragedy as an unforeseen outcome of an event meant to help the poor during the holiday season. The National Director of Social Communications, Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, lamented that such incidents reflect the nation’s hunger and desperation.

The Obijackson Foundation, which was involved in a similar tragic incident during a rice distribution in Okija, Anambra State, expressed deep sorrow and pledged to investigate the cause of the tragedy. They assured the community that this setback would not deter their philanthropic efforts.

The Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed police commissioners in the affected areas to investigate the incidents and take legal action against event organizers, warning them of potential criminal charges.

In response to these recurring tragedies, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed that any organization planning large-scale distributions of palliatives during the festive season must obtain approval from the Lagos State Safety Commission to ensure proper crowd management.