By Sunday Elijah
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for proper crowd management following the tragic stampedes during food distribution events in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija. He extends his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in these unfortunate incidents.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by these tragic events,” Idris stated.
The Minister emphasized that these heartbreaking tragedies highlight the urgent need for effective crowd management during charitable activities, particularly during the festive season.
While commending the noble intentions of organizers striving to support vulnerable communities, Idris strongly advises all individuals and organizations planning similar events to adhere to the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. He stresses the importance of coordinating with police formations to ensure effective crowd control and security measures.
Idris highlighted the critical role of collaboration with the police and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in safeguarding lives and ensuring that efforts to assist those in need do not inadvertently cause further harm.
The Minister also urged politicians and other stakeholders to avoid politicizing these tragic events, clarifying that they are not connected to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s economic reforms.
“It is important to note that similar tragic occurrences have happened in the past, prior to the current administration. Linking these incidents to the President’s reforms is unfounded and misleading,” he stated.
Idris reiterated that the reforms are designed to reposition the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth and improve the lives of all Nigerians, especially the vulnerable, without causing distress.
The Minister called for a collective sense of responsibility and urged all citizens to ensure that the Yuletide season is marked by peace, goodwill, and joy, free from preventable tragedies
