…Measures Aim to Prevent Future Tragedies During Public Gatherings

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Ondo State Government has issued new directives on crowd control to enhance public safety and prevent stampedes during philanthropic and public events organized by individuals and organizations across the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, announced the guidelines in a statement issued in Akure over the weekend. He emphasized that clearance must be sought from security agencies and relevant authorities, with thorough risk assessments conducted before hosting any large gatherings.

Ajulo highlighted critical factors to consider before approval for any public event is granted, including expected attendance, venue suitability, and potential risks for unrest. He stressed that all events must prioritize public safety while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

The guidelines, documented as Directive No. 01-1224, are backed by the powers vested in the Attorney General under Section 195 of the Constitution of Nigeria (1999, as amended), alongside relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State (2015) and the Nigeria Police Act (2020).

Risk Assessment: Security agencies must conduct thorough risk assessments before approving public gatherings, considering attendance size, location, and potential security threats.

Notification Requirements: Event organizers must notify local authorities well in advance, providing details such as date, time, venue, and expected number of attendees.

Deployment of Security Personnel: Adequate security personnel must be deployed for crowd control, intelligence gathering, and incident management.

Communication Protocols: Clear communication channels between event organizers and law enforcement agencies must be established to ensure swift response to emergencies.

Use of Technology: Surveillance tools such as CCTV cameras and drones may be deployed to monitor crowd dynamics and enhance security in real-time.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Sensitization campaigns will be conducted to educate attendees on safety measures and discourage disorderly behavior.

Emergency Response Plans: Detailed emergency response protocols must be developed, with personnel trained to handle incidents efficiently.

Medical and Emergency Preparedness: Events expecting over 300 attendees must have qualified medical teams, ambulances, and emergency response units on standby.

Venue Requirements: Venues must have multiple entrances and exits to allow free movement of attendees, and sanitary facilities such as mobile toilets and clean water must be readily available.

Compliance with Legal Standards: All measures must adhere to Nigerian laws and respect the constitutional rights of citizens. Violations may lead to legal consequences for event organizers and participants.

Dr. Ajulo emphasized the importance of collaboration between event organizers, law enforcement, and local government authorities to ensure the success of these measures.

“The safety of our citizens is non-negotiable. These directives are a proactive step towards preventing future tragedies and protecting lives during public gatherings,” he said.

He added that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration remains committed to fostering a secure environment where public events can take place without fear of crowd-related incidents.

The Attorney General urged all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and ensure full compliance to avoid legal repercussions.

“Public safety is a shared responsibility. Event organizers must prioritize the well-being of attendees, while citizens are encouraged to follow instructions and maintain order during gatherings,” Ajulo stated.

These measures, he reiterated, represent a firm commitment by the Ondo State Government to safeguarding lives and property and preventing avoidable tragedies during public events.