Lagos State Mandates Approval For Item Distribution Amid Rising Stampedes
The Lagos State Government has announced a new directive requiring individuals and organisations planning to distribute items to large gatherings during the festive season to secure approval from the Lagos State Safety Commission.
The measure comes in response to recent stampedes at philanthropic events across the country, which have resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries.
On Wednesday, December 18, a crowd crush at a school fair in Ibadan, Oyo State, claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left six others critically injured. Similarly, on Saturday, December 21, a stampede during a rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State, resulted in multiple casualties. On the same day, at least 10 people died at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, during another relief distribution.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, issued a statement highlighting the government’s concerns over these tragedies and stressing the need for preventive measures to ensure public safety.
“The Lagos State Government has observed with serious concern the stampedes during philanthropic gestures of individuals and organizations in some parts of the country,” Omotoso said.
He urged groups intending to distribute items in Lagos to register their events and obtain clearance through the Lagos State Safety Commission, which is equipped to oversee crowd management and ensure safety protocols are adhered to.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sympathizes with families who lost loved ones in these tragic incidents. To prevent such occurrences in Lagos State, individuals or groups must seek clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission. The agency, in collaboration with security agencies, will ensure proper crowd control and prevent tragedies,” Omotoso stated.
The Commissioner warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in strict legal consequences.
“Any group that flouts these measures will face the legal consequences of its actions. The government has activated all safety mechanisms, following a directive from Mr. Governor, who has summoned a meeting of all safety agencies,” he added.
In addition to this directive, the Lagos State Government plans to intensify ongoing public awareness campaigns against fire outbreaks, flooding, and other safety concerns, ensuring the well-being of residents during the festive season.
