The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, has issued directives to law enforcement and local authorities to forestall tragedies at gatherings.

The directives came on the heels of stampedes in Okija, Anambra State, where some people lost their lives at a palliatives sharing centre and in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 35 children died from stampede at a funfair.

The directives outlined improved crowd control measures to enhance public safety and order during gatherings in the state.

Mr Ajulo, in a statement on Sunday, said the guidelines, documented in Directive No. 01-1224, were aimed at regulating public gatherings and ensuring protection of lives and property during events.

According to him, the directives are anchored in the powers vested in the Attorney General under Section 195 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 62 and 95 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State 2015, and Sections 2 and 4 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

Mr Ajulo said that the guidelines prioritised public safety while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

He said, “The directives include assessment of crowds: Law enforcement agencies are to conduct thorough risk assessments of any planned gatherings. Factors to consider include expected attendance, location, and potential for unrest.

“Notification Requirements:– Organisers of public events must notify local authorities prior to the event. Notifications should include details such as date, time, venue, and expected number of attendees.

Deployment of personnel which is inclusive of adequate police and security personnel must be deployed to gather intelligence and maintain order before and during events.

“Crowd management teams will be responsible for monitoring the event and addressing any issues that arise.’’

The attorney general said others included communication protocols:

Establishing clear communication channels between event organisers and law enforcement. Regular updates should be shared to ensure swift responses to any crowd-related incidents. Use of Technology: Utilise surveillance and monitoring technology to observe crowd dynamics in real-time. Drones and CCTV cameras may be employed where necessary to enhance security. Public awareness campaigns:

-Conduct campaigns to educate the public on safety measures during gatherings. Promote peaceful assembly and discourage violence or unlawful behaviour. Emergency response plans: Develop and disseminate emergency response plans for potential incidents. All personnel must be trained on these protocols.’’

Mr Ajulo said that it also included medical and emergency preparedness.

He said, “Ensuring that a qualified medical team, emergency preparedness team, ambulances, and security personnel are present for events with over 300 participants, whether spiritual, physical, political, or social. Position medical teams and security personnel strategically within and outside the venue. Provision of essentials: Provide accessible packs of drinking water for participants.

“Ensure mobile toilets are available, with a sanitation team to maintain cleanliness. Venue accessibility: Avoid venues with only one entrance or exit to facilitate smooth crowd movement.

Legal compliance: All actions taken must comply with all the laws in operations in Nigeria with full adherence and respect to the Constitutional rights of citizens to assemble peacefully.

 “Any violations of these directives may result in legal action against the organisers or participants.’’

Mr Ajulo stated that the directives also called for enhanced collaboration between event organisers, law enforcement agencies, and local government authorities.

He said the importance of proactive measures, including communication protocols and venue accessibility to prevent incidents and ensure public safety cannot be overemphasised.

He further stated that the measures were designed to protect lives and property, urging full compliance from parties involved.

Mr Ajulo stated, “These crowd control measures are a testament to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to fostering a secure environment for public gatherings in Ondo State. Stakeholders are advised to familiarise themselves with the directives to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to a safer society.’’

(NAN)