The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has warned groups and organisers of palliative distributions and similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies declaring that negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked
Penpushing reports that Egbetokun made gave the warning in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi following number of deaths recorded at such programmes in some parts of the country
The police boss in the statement expressed concerns about the deaths recorded in the last few days at events where palliatives and relief items were being distributed in the country, noting that the trend is worrisome and called for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of the country, especially the vulnerable youth and the elderly.
Penpushing further reports that he emphasised the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganised distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs), including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.
The number one policeman in the country said the lack of a well-defined plan for distributing palliatives has resulted in chaos, leading to long lines and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance.
“In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives’, the statement read.
“The IGP has hereby warned groups and organisers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’,Adejobi wrote.
“In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities’, the statement emphasized.
‘In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives’.
‘The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’.
‘In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities’, Adejobi added.
Penpushing reports that the statement stressed that the police authorities reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at creating a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in the communities.
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