Palliative deaths: AGBEKOYA lists how FG, States can prevent future tragedy

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Agbekoya Parapo Worldwide, the leading coalition of Agbekoya groups and defenders of Yoruba culture, has listed ways the Federal and State Governments can prevent future deaths arising from poor crowd management.

The group in a statement released on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incidents that led to the loss of precious lives in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija-Anambra.

It said that the Federal and State Governments can prevent deaths by engaging non state security actors to ensure law and order in future events.

The group said the Nigerian Police have about 140,000 ratings and officers and that the figure falls short of the United Nations recommendation of one police person per 450 citizens.

Agbekoya in the statement signed by its President General Worldwide, Aare Kunle Oshodi said the police have shortage of manpower urging the Federal and State Governments to engage non state actors in the security sector.

The group also urged the authorities to ensure every social event of people more than 200 should have civil or police security backed with an ambulance.

Agbekoya said organisers of events should be made to ensure invitations are posted in advance to specific numbers to ensure the space can only accommodate the specified number of invitees.

The group said organisers distributing palliatives, should give first priority to children, pregnant women, people living with disabilities and the elderly.

He siad “We are heartbroken by the untimely passing of thirty-five (35) innocent souls—mostly children—during a stampede at a children’s Christmas carnival organized by Her Majesty, Olori Silekunola Naomi in Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday.”

Agbekoya said “Our hearts grow heavier as we receive the devastating news of yet another tragedy, which occurred on Saturday, 21st December, 2024. In Abuja, at least ten (10) individuals, including children, lost their lives during a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, where Christmas palliatives were being distributed. Similarly, Okija in Anambra State witnessed the loss of not less than twenty-two (22) lives during a rice distribution exercise organized by Obi Jackson.”

It noted that these difficult times, Agbekoya Parapo stands in solidarity with the families of the deceased and prays for strength and comfort for all those affected by these painful losses. We share in the nation’s grief, and as custodians of our people’s welfare, we express our heartfelt condolences to the entire Yoruba race and Nigerians at large.

While we acknowledge the unfortunate oversight in managing large crowds during these charitable activities, we believe that the intentions behind these efforts were noble and driven by a sincere desire to uplift the needy and vulnerable during the festive season.

Furthermore, Agbekoya Parapo calls upon all traditional leaders, community elders, non-governmental organizations, and government bodies to work in unison to establish structured and secure frameworks for palliative distributions moving forward. We advocate for mandatory collaboration with security agencies, medical personnel, Red Cross, and other emergency responders to ensure crowd control and the safety of all participants at such gatherings.

To organizers of similar initiatives, we stress the importance of due diligence in planning, ensuring all protocols and safety measures are put in place. It is not only a moral obligation but also a legal necessity to prevent such incidents, as stipulated under Section 196 of the Penal Code and Section 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As we approach the peak of the festive season, we call on the Inspector General of Police and all security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring large gatherings, ensuring public safety across all regions.

To the general public, we urge caution and patience during this events. Your safety must remain paramount, and we appeal to everyone to prioritize calmness and orderliness during palliative distributions to avert further tragedies.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may our collective actions ensure such grievous incidents do not reoccur.