Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called for justice and compensation for the families of victims who lost their lives in the stampedes during palliative distribution events in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states. The outspoken activist made the statement during a public lecture in Akure, Ondo State, on Friday, as he sharply criticized the Nigeria Police Force for its failure to prevent the avoidable loss of lives.
The incidents, which took place across various locations in Nigeria, have sparked outrage, as hundreds of citizens gathered in search of government-provided relief, only to meet a tragic end. In his address, Falana did not hold back in condemning the police’s handling of these events, which he described as “a national tragedy.”
A Call for Accountability
Speaking during the lecture, organized to commemorate the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, Falana pointed out that the Nigeria Police Force had failed to fulfill its duty to protect citizens during the stampede events. He argued that the police were directly responsible for the deaths, as they had not ensured adequate security at the palliative distribution points.
“The failure of the Nigeria Police Force to protect the lives of Nigerians during these stampedes is a clear violation of the law,” Falana said. “The police had a duty to enforce public safety, but instead, they stood by and allowed this to happen.”
He emphasized that the Police Establishment Act, 2020, mandates the police to provide security at all public events, especially rallies or meetings. “Section 83, subsection 4 of the Police Establishment Act is clear – the police must ensure the safety of the public during such events. This is a failure of leadership,” he added.
Falana’s statements come in the wake of reports indicating that at least several dozen individuals lost their lives, with many more injured, in the deadly stampedes. The tragic events unfolded in Abuja, Ibadan, and Anambra, where desperate crowds flocked to access palliatives during the government’s recent relief efforts. The stampedes have since ignited a wave of protests, with many Nigerians questioning the preparedness and competence of the security forces tasked with overseeing such operations.
A National Crisis
“It’s not just a matter of a few isolated deaths; it’s a national crisis,” Falana said at the event. “These incidents expose the systemic failures within our security apparatus, and it is time for the government to take responsibility and act decisively.”
The public lecture, titled “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development; The Ondo State Example,” was a platform for discussing broader issues related to national security. The focus on police incompetence was a key point, as Falana pointed out the failure to follow through on established security protocols. According to him, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for much-needed reforms within Nigeria’s police force.
Falana took a firm stance on the need for immediate reform in Nigeria’s public security sector, emphasizing that the current situation, where basic safety is not guaranteed during such critical events, is unacceptable. He further called for urgent government action to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
“The tragedy that unfolded during these palliative distributions could have been prevented if the police had been proactive and adhered to the law. It is now time to demand accountability,” Falana asserted.
Calls for Compensation and Justice
Beyond demanding reforms in the police force, Falana called for the Nigerian government to take responsibility for the loss of lives and provide compensation to the grieving families of the victims.
“The federal government must pay compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in these stampedes due to the failure and negligence of the Nigeria Police Force,” he urged, stressing that victims’ families should not have to bear the burden of such a preventable tragedy.
The demand for compensation echoes calls from various human rights groups and citizens alike, who believe the government must act swiftly to address the needs of the victims’ families. Falana’s public demand places further pressure on the authorities to take responsibility and address the deficiencies in Nigeria’s security infrastructure.
