The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that recent tragic stampedes during food distribution events in Abuja, Oyo, and Anambra States, which claimed many lives, will not deter relevant agencies from continuing palliative distribution to vulnerable citizens.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH.
Mohammed was responding to reports of new directives issued by states to regulate palliative distribution. Following the deaths of 39 people in two separate stampedes in Abuja and Anambra, the Inspector General of Police announced stringent guidelines for palliative distribution organizers to prevent future tragedies.
In the Anambra incident on December 21, 29 people lost their lives, and 32 others were injured when a stampede broke out during a Christmas rice distribution by philanthropist Chief Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obi Jackson, at his home in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area.
On the same day in Abuja, 10 people reportedly died, and several others were injured during a palliative distribution event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, organized to support poor residents of nearby communities such as Mpape and Gishiri villages.
In response to these incidents, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu mandated that organizations planning large-scale distributions during festive periods must seek approval from the Lagos State Safety Commission. Similarly, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Ondo State Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo, issued directives requiring police permission and other safety measures for public palliative distribution.
When asked if the Federal Government would adopt similar measures, Mohammed stated that agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are fully prepared to manage the situation. He reiterated that the stampedes would not disrupt future palliative efforts by ministries of women affairs and humanitarian services.
“No, it won’t. Govt will be more proactive in ensuring orderliness from beneficiaries,” the minister added.
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