December 23, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has unveiled safety protocols for event organisers before engaging in the distribution of palliative for vulnerable persons in the country.
This follows deaths recorded during palliative distribution in Abuja. Ibandan and Anambra last week.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, emphasised that organisers must register such events, involve security operatives like the police, and carry out risk assessment and vulnerability checks, among others to avoid future stampedes and deaths
Yilwatda, who expressed sympathy with the families of victims of the Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra incidents, insisted that safety measures ought to have been put in place to avoid the tragedies.
“Mark you, we distribute food more than any organisation, and you would never hear of a stampede. We even distribute more than what these people are giving, even in harsher conditions but you won’t hear of any hazard. We go to areas where people are more desperate, IDP centres.
“You can’t just throw open the distribution of palliatives. For instance in Ibadan, they have a population of over 2 million, and you are saying you want 5000 people to come and collect.
“However, when you have such a programme, you ask people to come and register, and then you select those that will benefit.
“Then you pick distribution points if there are too many. You mount police officers there. You do vulnerability checks and risk assessments. These will prevent the stampede and death,” he said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
