Stampede: Involve security agencies in charity efforts, FEMD tells Nugerians

By : Owede Agbajileke, Abuja

Date: 22 Dec 2024

The scene of the stampede in Ibadan.

Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, venue of the tragic children’s funfair stampede

The FCT Emergency Management Department(FEMD) has urged organisations intending to give out food items to the less privileged to involve security agencies as well as the department.

The advice followed stampedes at palliative-sharing venues across two states: Anambra and Oyo and the Federal Capital Territory, leaving scores dead and many injured.

Reacting to the stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Abuja which claimed 10 lives and injured 10 others, Acting Director General of the FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed, advised organisations preparing for charity to use coupons and divide the prospective beneficiaries into groups to avoid stampedes.

These measures, he emphasised, would mitigate the impact of any mishap.

A statement by the Head, Public Affairs of the Department, Nkechi Isa further appealed to residents to use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of a disaster.

The statement said Engr. Mohammed prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the innocent Nigerians who died in the stampede and wished quick recovery to the injured.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had cancelled all his official events in Lagos, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims.