‘We are depressed by the Stampedes’ – Prof. Nentawe Outlines Steps to Prevent Future Disasters

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed profound sorrow over the stampedes that tragically claimed lives during palliative distributions in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja last week.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, the minister highlighted the critical role of protocols and safety procedures in ensuring such incidents do not reoccur.

Key Points from the Minister’s Statement:

1. Empathy for Victims and Families

The Minister extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the nation, describing the federal government’s emotional state as “depressed” over the tragic incidents.

2. Failure of Protocols and Organizers

Professor Yilwatda attributed the disasters to a lack of adherence to proper protocols and safety procedures by the event organizers. He emphasized that the federal government, despite conducting larger-scale distributions in harsher conditions, does not experience such tragedies because it adheres to strict guidelines.

3. Importance of Protocols for Safe Distribution

The Minister outlined key protocols that must be followed during palliative distributions:

• Selection of Beneficiaries: Registration and pre-selection of recipients to manage crowd expectations.
• Appropriate Venues: Choosing venues capable of accommodating the expected crowd size.
• Risk and Vulnerability Assessments: Conducting assessments to ensure safety and suitability.
• Security Presence: Involving police and other security agencies to maintain order.
• Crowd Management: Employing trained personnel to manage and direct crowds.
• Pre-Event Planning: Setting up protocols and checkpoints before the event begins to monitor crowd flow.

4. Lessons for Organizations

The Minister urged non-governmental organizations (NGOs), churches, and other groups with charitable intentions to adopt similar protocols. He encouraged them to reach out to the federal government for assistance in implementing these measures if resources are insufficient.

5. Role of Local and State Governments

The Minister called on state and local governments to domesticate federal-level safety protocols, as many events occur under their jurisdiction. He stressed the importance of collaboration with law enforcement to enforce these measures.

6. Social Media and Public Sensitization

Professor Yilwatda acknowledged the challenges posed by social media, where information about such events often leads to large, unregulated crowds. He advised organizers to avoid open-ended invitations and focus on controlled outreach.

Protocols Highlighted by the Federal Government:

1. Notify security agencies in advance about the event location and expected crowd size.
2. Identify beneficiaries through a registration process to limit attendance to manageable numbers.
3. Collaborate with the police to select appropriate venues and ensure crowd control.
4. Conduct risk and vulnerability checks of the venue.
5. Assemble a protocol and crowd management team to regulate entry and distribution.
6. Postpone events if the expected crowd exceeds the safety limits.

Moving Forward:

The Minister emphasized that adherence to these measures is critical for preventing future tragedies. He also encouraged state and local governments to prioritize safety in organizing events and to enforce penalties for non-compliance with protocols.

Professor Yilwatda concluded by reiterating the federal government’s commitment to ensuring safety and encouraged all stakeholders to align with these best practices for effective and secure palliative distribution.