News
Ibadan stampede, Okija Stampede: A Preventable Tragedy, by Christian ABURIME
The recent stampede at Okija in Anambra State, where about 22 people as confirmed by the police, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and nursing mothers, tragically lost their lives while they scrambled for relief materials to celebrate Christmas, painfully reminds us of the dangers of unchecked crowds and the urgent need for better planning of public philanthropic events.
This heartbreaking incident, following similar recent tragedies in Ibadan and Abuja, also reflects the critical importance of prioritising safety and human life in all our endeavours, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations.
It is understandable that Nigerians are hard pressed by the prevailing economic exigencies in the country.
But the Okija stampede, triggered by the well-intentioned efforts of the Obi Jackson Foundation to distribute rice, oil, and more to the less privileged, highlights the inherent risks associated with large gatherings, particularly when resources are perceived to be scarce.
The desperation and anxiety that the palliatives may not go round often accompany such events, thus escalating into a chaotic situation, leading to tragic consequences.
Stampedes, by their very nature, are unpredictable and can quickly overwhelm even the most well-meaning organisers.
The sheer force of a moving crowd can cause severe injuries, crush victims, and cut off oxygen supply, leading to suffocation and even death.
In the Okija incident, the lack of crowd control measures, coupled with the overwhelming number of people struggling for palliatives, appears to have contributed significantly to the tragic outcome.
It is imperative that we learn from this incident and take proactive steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. First and foremost, prioritising safety cannot be overstated.
Organisers of public palliatives-sharing programmes must always prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries above all else so that their noble intentions don’t turn into regrettable mistakes that will haunt them or even lead to legal consequences.
Safety protocols include conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing robust crowd control measures, and ensuring adequate medical personnel are on standby.
Naturally, decentralised distribution of relief materials through multiple, smaller distribution points can also significantly reduce overcrowding and mitigate the risk of stampedes.
Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities.
These individuals should be prioritised and provided with designated areas and assistance, different from the general crowd.
And of course, public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the public ahead about the importance of orderly conduct during such events.
It is reassuring that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has responded empathetically and taken a crucial step through the initiation of an investigation into the Okija incident.
The government will also be taking proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. This may include issuing clear guidelines for the distribution of relief materials, providing training on crowd control and emergency response, and working closely with local communities and civil society organisations to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
In all, Ndi Anambra are urged to exercise caution and prioritise their safety during this festive season and at any public event involving either the distribution of relief materials, funfair or parties.
Let us be mindful of our surroundings, avoid pushing and shoving, and follow the instructions of designated personnel.
Let us learn from the Okija tragedy to create a safer and more orderly society for all. Remember, only the living can celebrate. Merry Christmas.
News
Kogi closes schools following hints of bandits attack
He commended the security agencies for providing timely intelligence and assured residents that authorities are working around the clock to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.
The Kogi State Government on Tuesday ordered the temporary closure of all schools across the state until February 16, saying a stitch in time, saves students, teachers, and school facilities.
The State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, told journalists in Lokoja that the move was based on credible intelligence and was taken as a precautionary measure rather than out of fear.
” The government chose to act proactively to prevent potential threats and ensure the safety of everyone within the education system,” said Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all relevant agencies to immediately put in place the necessary measures to guarantee that schools resume as soon as it is safe, without disrupting the academic calendar,” Fanwo said.
He commended the security agencies for providing timely intelligence and assured residents that authorities are working around the clock to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.
News
Again, bandit kills more than 20 people in Katsina community
Faskari Local Government Area is one of the frontline communities that had earlier entered into a communal peace agreement with armed bandits, raising fresh concerns over the sustainability of the peace process in the area.
A fresh bandit attack today on Doma, a community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State’s Southern Senatorial District has left more than 20 people dead.
The Chairman of Faskari Local Government Council, Bala Ado, who confirmed the incident via telephone confirmed that several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, while more than one hundred residents have been displaced
The attack lasted for nearly three hours, from about noon to 3 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
He added that burial arrangements for the victims are expected to take place on Wednesday.
Faskari Local Government Area is one of the frontline communities that had earlier entered into a communal peace agreement with armed bandits, raising fresh concerns over the sustainability of the peace process in the area.
…..Renames Printing Corporation After Dan Agbese, Grants Clemency to 14 Inmates.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced measures to honour the state’s founding figures and notable contributors as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of Benue State’s creation.In a statewide live broadcast delivered from Government House, Makurdi, on Tuesday, the governor declared plans to immortalise late General Murtala Muhammed, the military Head of State who created Benue State on February 3, 1976, alongside six other states.
Governor Alia emphasised the importance of recognising past heroes whose actions laid the foundation for future generations, stating that Gen. Murtala Muhammed deserved permanent commemoration for birthing the state during his brief but impactful leadership.
In a related gesture, the governor announced the renaming of the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation to Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation, in honour of the late veteran journalist and media icon, Chief Dan Agbese.
He further indicated that several other distinguished indigenes—both living and deceased—would have legacy institutions named after them, including the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, Elder Isaac Shaahu, Senator Suemo Chia, Gen. Atom Kpera, late Tashaku Oradi, and numerous others who have made significant contributions to the state’s development.
As part of the jubilee celebrations, Governor Alia exercised his prerogative of mercy by granting full clemency and release to 14 inmates serving various prison terms. Additionally, one inmate, Terhumba Aondona, had his sentence commuted from 10 years to 4 years.
The beneficiaries of the clemency include Akaajime Imoter, Kongusu Terzugwe, Terngu Orshi, Ornaa Achagh, Zwa Achir, Terkimbi Amadu, Iorpenda Christian, Aondowaae Terlumun, Oriba John, Sughnen Terfa James, Akaahar Isaac, Ordam Thankgod, Gwayem Agba James, and Iorfa Terkimbi.
The announcements were contained in a statement signed by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.
Benue State’s Golden Jubilee commemorates 50 years since its creation from parts of the former Benue-Plateau State, highlighting ongoing efforts to celebrate its history while addressing contemporary issues of justice and recognition.
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