Popular human rights lawyer Femi Falana has stated that those behind the recent stampedes that claimed lives in the country must be held accountable.
Speaking on the tragic incidents in a statement on Sunday, Falana called them a “national shame”.
While pointing out that the victims were human beings and not just statistics, he added that they were desperate due to systemic poverty.
“These tragic events are a national shame. The victims were not just statistics but human beings driven to desperation by systemic poverty and the gross incompetence of those entrusted with their safety.
“We will ensure survivors and families of the deceased are adequately compensated. Those responsible for these avoidable tragedies must be held accountable.
“Enough is enough! These events reflect the harsh realities of inequality in our nation and the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect the dignity and lives of our citizens,” Falana stated.
Falana’s words come in the wake of reactions to the tragedy that occurred on December 21, 2024, in Okija, Anambra State, where 12 people died, and 32 others were injured during a scramble for rice distributed by a philanthropist.
Coincidentally, 10 lives were lost at another stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja on the same day. The incident was precipitated by over 3,000 people struggling for palliatives.
The first incident was on December 19, when a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State turned ugly as 35 children were crushed to death at Islamic High School, Basorun.