Stampedes: Lagos Governor Warns Against Unapproved Food Distribution To Crowds, Emphasises Need For Official Clearance

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on individuals and groups intending to distribute items to large gatherings in the state to obtain clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission.

In a post on his X handle on Sunday, the governor explained the importance of safety measures in managing large crowds.

He noted that the Lagos State Safety Commission is collaborating with security agencies to ensure effective crowd control and public safety during such activities.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s directive comes as part of ongoing efforts to mitigate risks associated with large public gatherings, including stampedes and other safety hazards.

The governor urged residents to prioritize safety and comply with the clearance requirement to maintain order and protect lives during community engagements and events.

Sanwo-Olu said, “We have observed with serious concern the recent stampedes during philanthropic gestures by individuals and organizations in some parts of the country.

“I sympathize with the families whose loved ones were involved in these tragic events that resulted in the loss of lives.

“To prevent such occurrences in Lagos State, I urge all individuals or groups intending to distribute items to large gatherings to seek clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission. The agency is well-equipped to ensure that such events do not turn tragic.”

He said the Lagos State Safety Commission has established a partnership structure with security agencies to ensure effective crowd control at locations with large numbers of people.

“You can register your events and obtain the necessary clearance through the Safety Commission’s platform,” he added.

SaharaReporters had reported how tragedy struck last Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, when a stampede occurred during a children’s funfair, where gifts were to be distributed.

Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, organised the event.

No fewer than 35 children were confirmed dead while dozens of others were injured.

Also on Saturday, another tragedy struck as a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including four children. Several others were injured.

It was gathered that the incident occurred during the distribution of palliatives by the church to vulnerable and elderly residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The FCT Police Command, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the fatalities and revealed that eight other individuals sustained injuries.

SaharaReporters also reported that the Nigerian police confirmed that 22 residents of Okija community in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State were stampeded to death while rice was being shared in the community at the weekend. (SaharaReporters)