What to do to prevent further stampedes in the future

What to do to prevent further stampedes in the future – Minister

What to do to prevent further stampedes in the future – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Urges Caution to Avoid Stampedes During Palliative Distribution.

Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has emphasized the need for structured and transparent mechanisms to prevent stampedes and fatalities during palliative distribution exercises.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, the Minister outlined strategic measures aimed at ensuring orderly and efficient palliative disbursement across Nigeria.

In his address, Professor Yilwatda expressed concern over recent incidents of chaos during palliative distributions in several parts of the country, some of which resulted in injuries and loss of lives. He stressed the importance of prioritizing safety and dignity in humanitarian efforts.

“We must learn from past mistakes and establish foolproof systems to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society receive assistance in an orderly and safe manner,” he said.

The Minister highlighted the following measures:

  • Digital Registration of Beneficiaries: Implementing a biometric system to pre-register beneficiaries and reduce on-site congestion.
  • Decentralized Distribution Points: Increasing the number of distribution centers to prevent overcrowding in single locations.
  • Community Engagement: Collaborating with local leaders and civil society organizations to coordinate logistics and maintain order.
  • Security Presence: Deploying trained security personnel to manage crowds and enforce safety protocols.

Professor Yilwatda also called for accountability in the distribution process, urging state governments and humanitarian agencies to ensure that palliatives reach their intended recipients.

“Transparency is non-negotiable. We need to rebuild trust in our humanitarian systems by showing Nigerians that these resources are not diverted but are used to alleviate suffering,” he added.

The Minister’s remarks come in the wake of a tragic stampede during a palliative distribution event in Abuja, Ibadan in Oyo, which left 67 people dead, 35 of which are children and several others injured. The incident underscored the urgent need for reform in how humanitarian aid is distributed.

A beneficiary at the event, who didn’t want his name to be disclosed, lamented the current system, saying, “The government needs to find a better way. We cannot keep losing lives in the name of receiving help.”

To address these challenges, Professor Yilwatda announced plans to convene a national summit on palliative distribution, bringing together federal and state governments, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to develop a comprehensive framework.

The Minister concluded his speech with a message of hope, stating, “By working together, we can ensure that no Nigerian suffers needlessly while trying to access relief.”

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs plans to roll out these reforms in upcoming palliative distribution efforts, with a focus on high-risk regions. Citizens are hope that these changes will prevent further tragedies and restore confidence in the government’s ability to provide for its people.

Read also: The Ibadan Funfair Tragedy, 35 children died

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