- Human rights lawyer Femi Falana called for the Nigerian Police Force to be held accountable for the deaths of 115 Nigerians during recent food stampedes in Oyo, Abuja, and Anambra States
- Falana condemned police inaction, urged the government to compensate victims of deadly stampedes in food distribution events
- The Human rights lawyer further highlighted the link between rising poverty, hunger, and social insecurity in Nigeria, stressing the need for urgent reforms
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called for the Nigerian Police Force to be held accountable for the deaths of Nigerians during the recent food stampedes in Oyo, Abuja, and Anambra States.
Speaking on Friday, December 27, at a public lecture in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, Falana condemned the Police for failing to uphold their constitutional duties, which he said directly contributed to the deaths and injuries.
Falana blames police for deaths in stampedes
He said, “The deaths of 115 Nigerians in recent incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija are unacceptable. The Police failed to protect the people, and I hold them responsible. The government must compensate the families who lost their loved ones because of these failures.”
Recall that stampedes at food distribution events across the country led to numerous fatalities. In Oyo State, 35 children died during a holiday funfair in Ibadan.
In Anambra State, 29 people were killed, and 32 others were injured during a palliative distribution event in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area.
In Abuja, 10 people were killed and several others injured in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama.
Falana urges government to address social insecurity in Nigeria
Falana described the casualties as "unacceptable" and urged the government to provide compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampedes.
The senior lawyer also addressed the broader issue of social insecurity in Nigeria, pointing to rising levels of poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy.
He emphasised that without addressing these social issues, the protection of lives and property, cannot be effectively guaranteed.
Lagos, Abia, Rivers, others introduce new safety protocols following deadly stampedes
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that some Nigerian states had introduced safety measures for large events and palliative distributions following deadly stampedes that happened in the country.
TheRadar compiled the stipulated safety measures from eight states aimed at ensuring safer public events.