In a proactive step to address public safety concerns during gatherings, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo,  has rolled out new crowd control directives aimed at preventing tragedies. The guidelines, issued as Directive No. 01-1224, emphasize public safety, law enforcement collaboration, and event management protocols.

The directive was introduced following a surge in incidents at public events across the country and underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property during social, political, and religious gatherings.

The guidelines are grounded in constitutional and legal provisions, including Section 195 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended), Sections 62 and 95 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State (2015), and Sections 2 and 4 of the Nigeria Police Act (2020). Dr. Ajulo highlighted that the directives aim to balance public safety with citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

The directives outline specific measures for stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, event organizers, medical personnel, and local government authorities. These include:

1. Risk Assessment: Law enforcement agencies must conduct comprehensive assessments of planned gatherings to evaluate attendance, location suitability, and potential risks.

2. Notification: Event organizers are required to notify local authorities of details such as date, time, venue, and expected crowd size.

3. Personnel Deployment: Adequate security personnel must be stationed to maintain order, gather intelligence, and address emerging issues.

4. Communication: Clear communication protocols should be established between event organizers and law enforcement for real-time updates.

5. Technology Usage: Surveillance tools, including drones and CCTV, are recommended to monitor crowd dynamics.

6. Public Awareness: Campaigns will be launched to educate citizens on safety during public gatherings and discourage violence.

7. Emergency Plans: Comprehensive emergency response strategies must be in place, with personnel trained on protocol adherence.

8. Medical Preparedness: Qualified medical teams, ambulances, and emergency response units must be deployed for events exceeding 300 attendees.

9. Amenities: Essential facilities like drinking water, mobile toilets, and sanitation teams should be provided for participants.

10. Venue Accessibility: Venues must have multiple access points to prevent congestion.

11. Legal Compliance: All actions must align with Nigeria’s laws and respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

Dr. Ajulo emphasized the importance of these measures, stating:

“These crowd control measures are a testament to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to fostering a secure environment for public gatherings in Ondo State. Stakeholders are advised to familiarize themselves with the directives to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to a safer society.”

The directives encourage collaboration among event organizers, law enforcement, and local authorities. Organizers found violating the measures may face legal consequences.

Dr. Ajulo reiterated the importance of proactive strategies, adding, “These measures are designed to protect lives and property, urging full compliance from all parties involved.”

A tragic stampede during a rice-sharing event in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, has claimed the lives of several individuals, including nursing mothers, pregnant women, elderly people, and children. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has left the community in mourning.

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor described the incident as deeply saddening, noting the devastating loss of life in the unfortunate event.

The stampede occurred during the distribution of relief materials by the Obi Jackson Foundation, led by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, a prominent philanthropist. While the event was intended to bring joy to underprivileged members of the community during the festive season, the gathering tragically turned chaotic, leading to the loss of lives.

Government Responds with Investigation

In response to the tragedy, the Anambra State Government has launched a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are working closely with relevant agencies to identify potential lapses in safety protocols or organizational negligence that may have contributed to the stampede.

Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of implementing stricter safety measures during humanitarian activities. He urged philanthropists and charity organizations to adopt more organized and decentralized approaches to relief distribution to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“Philanthropists and humanitarian organisations must prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries in their distribution of relief materials,” Soludo said. “This must be done in a more organised and decentralised manner with adequate crowd control measures in place whenever they choose to do so.”

The governor also highlighted the need for proper planning that considers diverse age groups and ensures the orderly execution of such activities. “Various age demographics should be considered in a well-structured approach to reduce overcrowding and ensure orderliness whenever such activity is to be carried out,” he added.

Call for Improved Crowd Management

The tragedy has raised awareness about the critical need for effective crowd control and the implementation of safety measures in events involving large gatherings, especially those targeting vulnerable populations.

As investigations continue, the community of Okija and the state at large mourn the loss of their loved ones, while the government pledges to prevent such a calamity in the future.

Tragedy struck in Okija, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, as a stampede during a charity program claimed 22 lives on Saturday. The event was organized by the Obijackson Foundation, founded by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson, a philanthropist and a Chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The annual charity event, which aimed to assist the less privileged, spiraled into chaos as an overwhelming crowd scrambled for food items, particularly rice.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, the Anambra State Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the death toll had risen to 22, with several others injured.

Ikenga, a superintendent of police, stated that the State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono, visited the victims in the hospital and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.

“The Police Command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra on crime prevention, responding promptly and effectively to emergencies, protecting vulnerable populations, and fostering a sense of security and community,” he said.

The police commissioner assured the public that investigations into the incident were ongoing while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

This tragedy underscores the need for better crowd control measures at public events to prevent similar incidents in the future.