By Alexis Uchendu
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to compensate families of victims who died in recent stampedes during palliative distributions in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja, which claimed over 65 lives.
Speaking in Akure during the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series, organized by the Ondo State Government in honor of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Falana criticized the Nigeria Police for failing to ensure adequate security during the incidents.
“It was a failure of security, not poverty, that caused the loss of lives.
“If there is any process or gathering, the police must provide security,” Falana stated.
He praised Ondo State’s example of maintaining peace through its Amotekun Security Network, established during Akeredolu’s tenure, and urged other states to adopt similar measures to prevent future tragedies.
Falana stressed the need for justice and accountability, asserting that compensating the affected families would demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ lives during public events.
