The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the recent tragic stampedes during palliative distribution in Abuja, Oyo, and Anambra States will not halt its efforts to support vulnerable citizens. Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, made this clear in an interview with *Saturday PUNCH*, stating that agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are working to ensure safer and more orderly distributions.
This comes after two major incidents on December 21, where 29 people died, and 32 others were injured during a rice distribution event at philanthropist Chief Ernest Obiejesi’s residence in Okija, Anambra State. In Abuja, 10 lives were lost, and several others were injured at a palliative exercise organized by the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama.
In response, the Inspector General of Police and state authorities, including Lagos, FCT, and Ondo, issued new safety directives. Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu mandated approvals from the Lagos State Safety Commission for large gatherings, while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike required police clearance for such events.
Despite these tragedies, Mohammed reaffirmed that palliative distributions would continue, with the government taking proactive steps to maintain orderliness and safety during future exercises.
