No person should die at palliative sharing centres, Abia Govt. warns
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State government has issued guidelines to ensure that there would be no stampede in any place where palliatives are distributed across the state during this yuletide.
In a five-point protocol issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, government warned that it would not take kindly to any distributive pattern that puts the lives of people at risk.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Umuahia, Prince Kanu said that in order to avoid accidents and stampede, the protocols must be strictly observed where yuletide packages are distributed.
The protocols include structuring distribution plans through which organizers should adopt organized systems such as pre-registration, ticketing, or tagging to manage crowds effectively and avoid chaotic situations.
The government advised that palliative donors should engage the services of professional security personnel and crowd control officers to oversee large gatherings and maintain order, while it equally directed that suitable venues with large spaces enough to accommodate attendees comfortably, allowing free movement without congestion, must be used for such distributions.
According to the Commissioner, organizers should schedule distribution or events in phases, groups or batches as such staggered timelines would help to prevent overcrowding at any given time.
Government also directed that organizers should seek community involvement in such exercise by collaborating with local leaders, youth groups, volunteers, Local Government Chairmen/Mayors, and Ward Councillors in coordinating the sharing in a peaceful and efficient process.
“The government also issues a stern warning against practices that can lead to chaos, such as spraying or throwing money or other items into crowds. Such actions have proven to escalate disorder and increase the likelihood of stampedes.
“We encourage event organizers to liaise with the Abia State Homeland Security or their
Local Government Authorities for professional support and guidance in ensuring safety at events.
“Local government officials have been directed to monitor such activities closely and enforce strict compliance with these safety protocols,” the statement read in part.
He appealed to individuals and families participating in any palliative distribution to exercise patience and discipline, saying that the true essence of the festive season lies in love, sharing, and peace, and not in reckless actions that put lives at risk.
“As we celebrate this joyous season, let us prioritize safety and ensure that our gatherings and events reflect the values of unity and compassion.
“The Abia State Government wishes all Abians and residents a peaceful, incident-free, and fulfilling Christmas and New Year celebration,” the Commissioner said.
