The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, has called for enhanced crowd management strategies during the distribution of palliatives to avert stampedes and the resulting tragic loss of lives.
Umar’s plea follows a series of heartbreaking incidents that unfolded within four days in Ibadan (Oyo State), Okija (Anambra State), and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. These events left several people dead and many others injured, casting a shadow over well-meaning initiatives meant to support vulnerable populations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Umar expressed her deep concern about how poor planning and inadequate crowd control measures can transform acts of goodwill into sources of sorrow. She noted that these preventable tragedies undermine the very essence of charitable efforts, which aim to alleviate suffering and uplift communities.
“While we sympathize with the families of the deceased and those who sustained injuries in these unfortunate incidents, it is imperative that organizers of similar events take proactive measures to ensure public safety,” Umar stated. She emphasized the need for employing professionals and collaborating with security agencies to effectively manage large crowds during palliative distribution and other high-turnout activities.
The recent incidents underscore the urgent need for preventive measures. In Ibadan, Oyo State, a stampede during a Christmas funfair resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, sending shockwaves across the nation. Similar tragedies were recorded in Okija, where the chaotic distribution of relief items led to casualties, and in Abuja, where poorly controlled crowds at a charity event caused injuries and loss of life.
Umar stressed that these tragic outcomes were avoidable and urged organizers of charitable events to prioritize safety planning. “Proper crowd management is not an optional consideration; it is a critical component of any event involving large gatherings, especially those aimed at distributing resources to vulnerable populations,” she said.
She further called on stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private entities involved in humanitarian efforts, to adopt a more structured approach. This includes the deployment of crowd control experts, strategic venue selection, clear communication of guidelines, and the presence of security personnel to manage and direct attendees.
The NEMA Director-General also emphasized the importance of educating the public about the risks of overcrowding and the need for orderly conduct during such events. “Community leaders and organizers must work together to raise awareness about safety protocols, ensuring that people understand the importance of maintaining order to protect themselves and others,” she added.
The call for better crowd control aligns with broader efforts to improve disaster management and public safety in Nigeria. As the nation continues to grapple with economic challenges and rising demands for social support, ensuring the safety of citizens during palliative distributions and similar gatherings is paramount.
Umar concluded by reiterating NEMA’s commitment to providing technical support and guidance to organizers of large-scale events. “Our goal is to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies and uphold the integrity of humanitarian efforts,” she said, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and dignity of those they aim to serve.
The recent spate of stampedes serves as a sobering reminder that acts of kindness must be paired with meticulous planning and robust safety measures to truly benefit those in need.
