Emmanuel OchayiThe Lagos State Government has called on event organisers, show promoters, and non-governmental organisations to prioritise crowd management at events to prevent stampedes. The warning was issued during a press conference on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho.
This statement follows a troubling rise in stampede-related tragedies across the country, including incidents in Ibadan (Oyo State), Okija (Anambra State), and Maitama (Federal Capital Territory). These stampedes have collectively claimed over 70 lives, highlighting the urgent need for better planning and safety measures.
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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his condolences to the affected families in a statement released on Saturday by Gboyega Akosile, his media and publicity adviser. The governor described the deaths as preventable and emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols during events.
Gbenga Omotosho reinforced this message during the press briefing:
“The Department of Health and Social Services has partnered with safety agencies to develop control measures, but individuals organising large events must register with the Lagos Safety Commission. This is not just a recommendation—it is the law in Lagos State.”
Events Should Not Lead to Stampedes
Omotosho also addressed the motivations behind large gatherings, particularly during charitable distributions:
“Most people argue that poverty drives crowds to such events, but that is only one side of the story. Human nature makes people gravitate toward places where freebies are given.”
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He urged organisers to consider the safety implications of their actions, stating that “acts of charity should never endanger lives.”
Preventative Measures and Emergency Services
Gbenga Oyerinde, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, stressed the importance of using emergency resources during crowd-related incidents.
“We have toll-free lines, 767 and 112, available for emergencies. Our equipment and human resources are ready to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe festive season. No freebies are worth the lives of Lagosians,” he said.
The call for safety consciousness was echoed by Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. While addressing additional safety concerns, she said “Harmattan doesn’t cause fire; human carelessness does. Keep fireworks out of reach, avoid storing fuel improperly, and maintain safe distances between gas cylinders and cookers.”
Learning From Past Stampedes
The Lagos State Government’s proactive approach stems from lessons learned in other parts of the country. Recent stampedes have highlighted the deadly consequences of poor planning, lack of crowd control, and disregard for safety guidelines.
In the case of the Ibadan stampede, witnesses reported that overcrowding led to chaos, causing attendees to panic. Similarly, the Okija and Maitama incidents revealed the dangers of hosting large gatherings without adequate security and emergency response plans.
The Role of Organisers and Attendees
The government’s appeal is a reminder that both organisers and attendees have roles to play in preventing tragedies. Event planners are urged to comply with registration requirements, while individuals attending large gatherings are encouraged to exercise caution and prioritize safety over material gains.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu values the lives of all Lagos residents. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and no one should underestimate the importance of proper planning and crowd management,” Omotosho concluded.
Towards Safer Gatherings in Lagos
With the festive season approaching, the Lagos State Government is taking steps to avoid the repetition of deadly stampedes. The emphasis on crowd management, safety guidelines, and emergency preparedness underscores the government’s commitment to protecting lives.
By ensuring that every event is well-planned and safety protocols are followed, Lagos aims to set a standard for other regions to emulate, preventing further tragedies and fostering a culture of safety at public gatherings.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
