The Edo State Police Command has called on government officials, community leaders, religious organizations, and NGOs to work closely with law enforcement in the distribution of palliatives to prevent stampedes that could result in fatalities and injuries. This proactive measure comes in the wake of recent tragic incidents across the country, where stampedes during palliative distributions led to significant loss of life.
A statement issued by the command’s spokesman, Moses Yamu, on Sunday evening emphasized the need for an organized and safe distribution process to avoid chaos. “In light of the recent tragic stampede incidents that have resulted in the deaths of numerous citizens, the Edo State Police Command urges all stakeholders to collaborate with the police to ensure a smooth, orderly distribution of palliatives,” the statement said.
The police, led by Commissioner Ozigi Umoru, cautioned that organizers of such events must engage with the police or other security agencies to maintain public safety. The police have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.
The call for collaboration follows the tragic events in other states: 35 children lost their lives in a stampede in Oyo State on Wednesday, 22 people were killed in Anambra on Saturday, and 10 more perished in a similar incident in Abuja, where over 1,000 people had gathered to receive food and clothing. These devastating events have highlighted the critical need for proper planning and security during such large-scale distributions.
Edo Police Command urges all involved in these distributions to prioritize safety, prevent crowd congestion, and cooperate with security agencies to avert further tragedies. The command remains resolute in its mission to ensure the protection of citizens across the state.
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