Human Rights Lawyer Demands Accountability
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has condemned the Nigerian Police Force for its role in recent stampede deaths across Oyo, Abuja, and Anambra states. Speaking at a public lecture in Akure on Friday, Falana described the tragedies as avoidable and blamed the Police for failing in their constitutional duty to protect lives. He insisted that the government must take responsibility and provide compensation to the families of the victims.
Over 100 Lives Lost in Tragic Incidents
The senior lawyer cited reports that 115 Nigerians lost their lives in stampedes triggered by food distribution and palliative events. Notable incidents included the deaths of 35 children at a funfair in Ibadan, 29 fatalities at a palliative distribution in Okija, Anambra State, and 10 casualties at a church event in Abuja. Falana criticized the lack of crowd control measures, which he argued contributed to the high number of casualties.
Call for Compensation and Systemic Reform
Falana urged the Nigerian government to compensate affected families, stating that such measures were necessary to acknowledge institutional failings. “These deaths are unacceptable, and the Police must be held accountable for their failure to protect the people,” he said. He further called for an overhaul of event safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Link Between Social Insecurity and Physical Safety
The prominent lawyer emphasized that addressing the root causes of social insecurity is key to ensuring physical security. He pointed out that issues such as poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy were fueling desperation among citizens, leading to dangerous crowding during relief distributions. Falana urged the government to implement robust social welfare programs to alleviate these challenges.
Rising Public Outrage Over Government Inaction
Public reactions to the stampedes have sparked outrage, with many criticizing both the government and security agencies for negligence. Advocacy groups and community leaders have echoed Falana’s call for accountability and improved safety measures at public events. The growing discontent underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in the country’s approach to public safety.
A National Wake-Up Call
Falana concluded by urging Nigeria to learn from these tragic incidents and prioritize the well-being of its citizens. “The lives lost in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija are a grim reminder of our failure to protect the vulnerable. We must act decisively to prevent further tragedies,” he said.
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