Minister lists protocols event organisers should follow in distributing palliative to avoid future stampede

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has identified some of the protocols event organisers need to follow when organising future palliative distribution in the country, to avoid future stampede and deaths. 

Yilwatda gave this advice following deaths recorded during palliative distribution in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja last week.

Speaking as a guest on Channels TV morning brief programme on Monday, The minister said protocols such as registration of the event, involvement of police operatives, risk assessment and vulnerability checks, among others, need to be adhered to.

He said “First, I want to sympathise with the families and the country for the lives we lost. As a government, we are so depressed by what happened.

“However, despite the empathy, we still have to talk about the safety measures that are supposed to be taken at this moment.

“Mind you, we distribute food more than any organisation, and you would never hear of a stampede.

“We even distribute more than what these people are giving, even in harsher conditions but you won’t hear of any hazard. We go to areas where people are more desperate, IDP centres.

“So what are the protocols involved in such distribution of food? Whenever an event is not properly organized, then, we have these kinds of situations we have right now – stampede and loss of lives. We have challenges of protocol in this country. And these stampedes happen globally, even in countries that are developed.

“You can’t just throw open distribution of palliatives. For instance in Ibadan, they have a population of over 2 million, and you are saying you want 5000 people to come and collect.

“Or in Abuja where you have a population of between 2-3 million, and you say anybody can come and receive- maybe like 2000 people. The ratio is too small and you are going to have. And you know social media doesn’t even help the matter because you put the information there and many people show up.

“However, when you have such a programme, you ask people to come and register, and then you select those that will benefit.

“Then you pick distribution points if there are too many. You mount police officers there.

“You do vulnerability checks and risk assessments- these will prevent the stampede and deaths.”

According to the minister, such security measures need to be adopted by the government, a country, churches and organisations that have good intentions towards the people.

He advised the state and local governments to adopt the protocols currently being put in place by the federal government.