Stampede: Lagos calls for clearance before distribution of palliative
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Lagos State Government has called on individuals and groups planning to distribute items to large crowds to obtain clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission.
The government stated that the commission is equipped to ensure such events are conducted safely and to prevent tragedies.
This directive was issued in a statement by the Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
Omotoso said, “The Lagos State Government has observed with serious concern the stampede during philanthropic gestures of individuals and organisations in some parts of the country.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sympathises with families whose loved ones were involved in the stampede that led to the loss of lives in some States.
“To prevent such occurrences in Lagos State, all individuals or groups that intend to distribute items to large gatherings of people are advised to seek clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission, which is well-equipped to ensure that such events do not turn tragic.
“The agency has a partnership with security agencies to ensure crowd control at locations with large numbers of people.
“Individuals and groups can register their events and get clearance through the Safety Commission’s platform lasgsafetyreg.com
“Any group that flouts these measures will surely face the legal consequences of its indiscretion.
“The Government has activated all its safety mechanisms, following a directive from Mr. Governor who has also summoned a meeting of all safety agencies.”
Dailyeconomy on Saturday, December 21, reported that a tragic incident occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured, on Wednesday, December 18.
In the early hours of Saturday, December 21, another tragedy struck at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, in a similar stampede that occurred during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals. This unfortunate incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured, Dailyeconomy reports.
On the same Saturday, a similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government, Anambra State at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several individuals.
