Emmanuel Ochayi
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the stampedes that claimed the lives of over 60 people during palliative distributions in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja. He placed the responsibility on event organisers and promoters, calling the incidents “a grave error.”
Speaking during his first Presidential Media Chat in Lagos on Monday, Tinubu said, “I see this as a very grave error on the part of the organisers. I have been giving to the less privileged at Bourdillon for 25 years without such tragedies.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe President extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged caution in planning similar events to avoid stampedes in the future.
Stampede in Abuja Claims 10 Lives
One of the tragic incidents occurred on Saturday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, during a food distribution event. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed the deaths of 10 people, including four children.
Tinubu highlighted the preventable nature of such incidents, saying, “It is good to give, but publicising it when resources are inadequate can lead to unnecessary tragedies.”
READ ALSO: Stampede: Lagos Govt Warns Event Organisers, Show Promoters To Prioritise Crowd Management
Anambra and Ibadan Stampedes Add to Toll
In Anambra and Ibadan, additional stampedes resulted in the loss of dozens of lives. Reports indicate that over 32 children were among those who died in Oyo State.
These incidents occurred during the rush to receive palliatives, underscoring the urgent need for better crowd control measures.
Call for Better Planning
Tinubu emphasised the importance of learning from these tragic events. “If you know you don’t have enough to give, do not publicise it,” he cautioned, drawing on his own experience of managing large-scale charity efforts without incidents.
The President’s comments come as authorities and civil society organisations call for stricter protocols to prevent further stampedes. These events have sparked debates on the adequacy of planning and execution during humanitarian efforts.
