Following the loss of lives in tragic stampedes that happened last week during food distribution exercises in Abuja, Ibadan, and Okija, the Federal Government (FG) has issued an advisory to prevent further occurrences.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris stated that all individuals and organization planning such events should liaise with law enforcement agencies to ensure effective crowd control and security measures in order to avoid stampedes.
Similarly, during a programme on Channels Televisions, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda mentioned some protocols such as registration of the event, involvement of police operatives, risk assessment and vulnerability checks, among other measures.
He said, “So what are the protocols involved in such distribution of food? Whenever an event is not properly organized, then, we have these kinds of situations we have right now – stampede and loss of lives. We have challenges of protocol in this country. And these stampedes happen globally, even in countries that are developed.
“You can’t just throw open distribution of palliatives. For instance in Ibadan, they have a population of over 2 million, and you are saying you want 5000 people to come and collect.
“Or in Abuja where you have a population of between 2-3 million, and you say anybody can come and receive, maybe like 2000 people. The ratio is too small and you are going to have. And you know social media doesn’t even help the matter because you put the information there and many people show up.
“However, when you have such a programme, you ask people to come and register, and then you select those that will benefit.
“Then you pick distribution points if there are too many. You mount police officers there. You do vulnerability checks and risk assessments- these will prevent the stampede and deaths.”