Stampede: Group urges public inquest into recent tragedies

A Civil Society Organisation, Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) has demanded full public inquests into the tragic stampedes that recently occurred across various states, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.

News men recalls that the incidents took place in Ibadan -Oyo, Abuja, Bauchi, Keffi, Nasarawa, and Okija in Anambra.

Dr Karim Adegboyega, the group’s Director in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, called for an urgent and comprehensive public inquiry into these stampedes.

“The tragic events include the death of 35 children at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, 10 fatalities during a church-organised charity event in Abuja.

“Also, 22 deaths at a food distribution event in Anambra, four women killed in Bauchi while scrambling for ₦5,000, and the crushing of two students in Keffi, Nasarawa , during a chaotic rush for free bags of rice.”

Adegboyega lauded the swift actions of the Ondo State government in implementing effective crowd management directives that the State Attorney General, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN) issued to forestall such incidents.

According to him, this have been acknowledged and now adopted by several other states.

He said there is need for immediate and enforceable safety measures, including the involvement of trained humanitarian professionals and security agencies at such events.

“CPA emphasises the necessity for a thorough investigation into both the immediate and root causes of these stampedes.

” A holistic approach is required to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future,” he said.

He, however, faulted remarks regarding the ongoing case against the ex-Queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Ogunwusi, and prominent radio presenter and Founder of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat.

“Without undermining the grief of the families of the children who tragically lost their lives, we condemn the politicisation of this tragedy and it is irresponsible to use this incident to settle political scores.

“We understand that no amount of compensation can bring back the lives lost but it is crucial to honour their memory, ensure justice, and prevent future tragedies.

“The government must implement stringent crowd control measures across the country, as we recognise that such incidents will not deter future distribution of relief materials,” he said.

He noted that the original intent of the organisers was to alleviate hunger before things spiralled into chaos and disaster.

He emphasised the importance of a meticulous investigation into the actions of the organisers and others involved.

“Justice must prevail but we must avoid the travesty of placing the wrong individuals in the dock. These individuals, if anything, deserve bail.

“We should ensure that justice is served in this case, as the world watches the outcome of the investigation and awaits the legal advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“This is not just a matter of regional concern but one of national importance, requiring unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency, and justice”