Amid waves of stampedes that have claimed over 70 lives within a week, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has warned against unorganised palliatives distribution and funfair.

In a statement on Saturday, Mr Egbetokun lamented three stampedes recorded in the past one week which have resulted in deaths and injuries as at the various venues.

“The IGP emphasised the dangers posed to public safety during these unorganised distributions and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs, including the potential for stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives,” the statement reads.

It added, “In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives.

“The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

This follows three different fatal stampedes recorded at palliatives distribution venues in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja in the past one week.

Last week, about 35 children were killed in Ibadan while at least 38 people have been confirmed dead on Saturday after rice-sharing activities led to stampedes in Anambra and Abuja.