Femi Falana, human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has held the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) responsible for the recent spate of stampedes that claimed lives in some states.

No fewer than 70 people, many of whom were children, died in stampedes that occurred in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as Oyo and Anambra states.

While the FCT and Anambra incidents happened during charity events, where food and other palliative items were being distributed, the Oyo incident occurred at a children's funfair in Ibadan, the state capital.

Commenting on the tragedies on Friday, December 27, 2024, Falana alleged that the Nigeria police's "sheer incompetence" and dereliction of duty, led to the stampedes.

He said this during his speech at a public lecture titled, “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability and Development: The Ondo State example,” organised to mark the one-year demise of former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Falan scolds the police for stampedes

The human rights lawyer noted that the stampede incidents during the distribution of food items and other palliatives in the country were a national tragedy, stressing that the police have the constitutional responsibility to protect the citizens at all public gatherings.

“The blame should also go to the Nigeria Police Force because of their sheer incompetence to protect those who lost their lives in those stampedes.

“If there is any noise that disturbed the neighbours, the police would come. If a few people gathered on the street in a tumultuous manner, the police would come.

“Under Section 83, subsection 4 of the Police Establishment Act, 2020, if there is a rally, public meeting, or state rally, the police shall provide adequate security for the people.

“It was a failure that led to the loss of lives in those stampedes. In traditional political meetings and protests, the law states that the police shall provide security so that hoodlums would not break into protests and cause mayhem,” he submitted.

Falana demands compensation for victims' families

The SAN who called for systemic reforms to protect the dignity and lives of the citizens, advised the Nigerian police to always take proactive steps to forestall such incidents.

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He called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to provide adequate compensation for the victims’ families.

“It is the management of protests and public meetings in our country that is the problem in our country. I therefore suggest that because we operate a capitalist system, somebody must bear responsibility for any damage.

“The federal government must pay compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampedes because of the failure and negligence of the Nigeria Police Force,” he added.

Gov Aiyedatiwa lauds Akeredolu

On his part, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described his predecessor, Akeredolu, as a man of courage who never shied away from speaking truth to power.

He also recalled how the deceased fought for the advancement of democracy and the rule of law in the country.

“As we pay tribute to this legendary citizen of Nigeria, this event is a testament to his enduring legacy and the profound impacts he had on our state and Nigeria at large.

“We must continue to remember his unwavering commitment to the welfare and development of our state. We must celebrate him for his selfless service, visionary leadership and infectious passion for progress which continue to inspire us.

“Arakunrin Akeredolu was that courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law in our country,” Aiyedatiwa said.