The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, on Saturday warned against unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during the festive period.
Egbetokun issued the warning while reacting to the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi made this known in a statement.
Recall that a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan on Wednesday, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the death of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.
Also, not less than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra State lost their lives in a stampede on Saturday during an event organised to distribute rice to the less privileged.
Also an unspecified number of people died in a stampede that occurred during the distribution of rice and other food items at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in tge Maitama area of Abuja, on Saturday.
The IGP emphasised the dangers posed to public safety during unorganised distribution of palliatives and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs.
He noted that such unorganised events could result in stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
The IGP ordered the commissioners of police in the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into the incidents for further legal actions.
He equally sympathised with the bereaved families and wished those injured quick recovery.
