Stampedes: Federal Government Unveils Safety Measures for Palliative Distribution

In response to the recent stampedes that claimed multiple lives during palliative distribution in Abuja, Oyo, and Anambra States, the Federal Government has introduced new safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed the measures during an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast show on Monday.

“First, I want to sympathise with the families and the country for the lives we lost. As a government, we are deeply saddened by these incidents,” Yilwatda stated, offering condolences to the bereaved families.

The Minister emphasized the need for strict adherence to guidelines, including the registration of distribution events, collaboration with police operatives, risk assessments, and vulnerability checks. He noted that these protocols are essential to ensuring the safety of beneficiaries and organizers.

“We distribute food more than any organisation, and you would never hear of a stampede. This shows that adherence to protocols is critical,” he added.

The government’s intervention follows reports of chaotic scenes at distribution points, where vulnerable Nigerians scrambled for relief items, leading to stampedes and fatalities.

Yilwatda further urged event organizers to prioritize proper crowd control and safety measures during such exercises, saying, “We must ensure that every distribution process is well-organized to protect the lives of citizens.”

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable Nigerians while ensuring their safety during palliative distribution.