The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has initiated an investigation into the tragic stampedes that occurred during food distribution events in Abuja and Anambra State. These incidents led to multiple fatalities and injuries, raising critical questions about negligence and poor crowd control during public charity programs.
Tragedy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Abuja
The first incident unfolded at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, where food aid meant for vulnerable and elderly individuals turned into a deadly stampede. At least ten people lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries as the crowd surged uncontrollably during the distribution. This tragedy has sparked outrage over the lack of adequate planning and crowd management measures at the event.
Stampede at Obijackson Charity Program in Anambra
A second stampede occurred in Anambra State during a charity event organized by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson. The philanthropist and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain’s program ended in chaos, leaving three confirmed dead and several others wounded. A senior police officer in the state confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Obono Itam, has dispatched officers to the site and initiated an immediate investigation.
“It was a pure accident,” the officer stated, attributing the incident to the crowd’s rush for aid. However, the recurring nature of such tragedies highlights systemic issues in planning and executing large-scale charity programs.
IGP Condemns Negligence, Labels It a Criminal Act
Reacting to the tragic events, IGP Egbetokun condemned the negligence of those responsible for the food distribution programs. Labeling the lapses as a “criminal act,” the police chief emphasized that proper precautions and crowd control measures should have been implemented to avoid such catastrophic outcomes.
During a press briefing in Abuja, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the IGP had instructed police commissioners in the affected states to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedies.
Questions of Accountability and Systemic Failures
These incidents have sparked a national debate about accountability and systemic failures in organizing public events aimed at aiding the vulnerable. Critics argue that while such programs are well-intentioned, the lack of strategic planning and risk management often results in avoidable loss of lives.
The IGP’s directive to investigate these tragedies is a step in the right direction, but many Nigerians are calling for stricter regulations and oversight of public charity events to ensure the safety of beneficiaries.
The Bottom Line
The back-to-back tragedies in Abuja and Anambra State underscore the urgent need for reform in the planning and execution of public charity programs. While the police investigation may uncover specific lapses, a broader review of protocols is necessary to prevent future disasters. Lives lost in the pursuit of aid should never become the norm in a country grappling with widespread poverty and vulnerability.
