'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In response to recent tragic stampedes that claimed several lives in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra State, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stringent safety measures to prevent similar incidents in Lagos.
Taking to his official Facebook page, Sanwo-Olu expressed his condolences to the families affected by the stampedes, which occurred during philanthropic activities organized by individuals and groups.
"We have observed with serious concern the recent stampedes during philanthropic gestures by individuals and organizations in some parts of the country. I sympathize with the families whose loved ones were involved in these tragic events that resulted in the loss of lives," the governor stated.
Rising Concern Over Stampedes
In the past week, the country has witnessed multiple tragedies attributed to poorly organized crowd management during charity distributions:
Ibadan: A stampede during the distribution of relief items in a densely populated area left at least five people dead and several others injured.
Abuja: A charity event turned deadly when an uncontrollable crowd surged, resulting in the loss of eight lives.
Anambra State: Another incident claimed the lives of at least six people, highlighting the dangers of unregulated mass gatherings.
These tragic events have raised nationwide concerns about the safety of such initiatives and the need for better crowd control mechanisms.
Lagos State’s Preventive Measures
To forestall similar occurrences in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged individuals and organizations planning large-scale distributions to seek clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission.
“The Lagos State Safety Commission has established a partnership with security agencies to ensure effective crowd control at locations with large numbers of people,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He emphasized the importance of registering events and obtaining the necessary clearance through the Safety Commission’s platform, noting that the agency is equipped to manage large gatherings safely.
A Call for Responsibility
Sanwo-Olu’s appeal underscores the need for proactive measures to ensure that acts of kindness do not turn into tragic events. His administration’s focus on preventive safety measures aims to protect lives and maintain public order during charitable activities and other large gatherings.
Collaboration with Security Agencies
The Lagos State Safety Commission’s collaboration with security agencies will involve monitoring event locations, implementing crowd control strategies, and providing safety oversight to mitigate risks during high-attendance events.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of these tragic stampedes, Sanwo-Olu’s intervention sets a precedent for other states to adopt proactive safety measures. By emphasizing proper planning and coordination, the Lagos State government aims to ensure that humanitarian gestures remain a source of relief rather than sorrow.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s call reflects a commitment to safeguarding lives while fostering a culture of accountability and safety in the organization of public events.
