Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has said the Nigerian Police Force should be held accountable for the deaths of Nigerians during recent food stampedes in Oyo, Abuja, and Anambra States.
He made this statement on Friday while delivering a public lecture in memory of the late former Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in Akure, the state capital.
The senior lawyer stated that the Police had failed to fulfil their constitutional duties, leading unacceptable casualties. Falana called on the government to compensate the families of those who lost loved ones due to these failures.
“The deaths of 115 Nigerians in recent incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija are unacceptable. The Police failed to protect the people, and I hold them responsible. The government must compensate the families who lost their loved ones because of these failures”, he said.
The recent stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija are a stark reminder of the need for social security, without which physical security cannot be guaranteed. Falana’s words come after earlier reports stated that 35 children died at a holiday funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, while 29 people were declared dead and 32 others injured at a palliative distribution event in Okija, Anambra State. The Abuja stampede also resulted in 10 reported deaths and several injuries at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.
Falana further called on the Nigerian government to address social insecurity, which is evident in the rising levels of poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy in the country.
The lawyer emphasised that without social security, and physical security, the safety of lives and property cannot be guaranteed.
Falana praised the late Governor Akeredolu for his leadership and bold initiatives, including the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, which has enhanced Ondo State’s security. He also commended the current Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for sustaining Akeredolu’s legacy and pledged to continue efforts to deepen his vision for Ondo State. The emphasis is on the government to take responsibility for the failures and work towards providing social security to prevent such tragedies in the future.
