Preventing Tragic Stampedes: Ondo AG Issues Crowd Control Directives to Law Enforcement, Medics, Local Authorities

In response to the recent spike in tragedies across the country, and in a bid to enhance public safety and order during gatherings across Ondo State, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has issued a series of directives outlining improved crowd control measures.

According to a press statement by the Attorney General, the guidelines documented in Directive No. 01-1224, are aimed at regulating public gatherings and ensuring the protection of lives and property during events.

The directives, the release further stated, are anchored on the powers vested in the Attorney General under Section 195 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 62 and 95 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State 2015, and Sections 2 and 4 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

Ajulo emphasized that the guidelines prioritize public safety while respecting citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

The Directives include:

1. Assessment of Crowds:
– Law enforcement agencies are to conduct thorough risk assessments of any planned gatherings.
– Factors to consider include expected attendance, location, and potential for unrest.

2. Notification Requirements:
– Organizers of public events must notify local authorities prior to the event.
– Notifications should include details such as date, time, venue, and expected number of attendees.

3. Deployment of Personnel:
– Adequate police and security personnel must be deployed to gather intelligence and maintain order before and during events.
– Crowd management teams will be responsible for monitoring the event and addressing any issues that arise.

4. Communication Protocols:
– Establish clear communication channels between event organizers and law enforcement.
– Regular updates should be shared to ensure swift responses to any crowd-related incidents.

5. Use of Technology:
– Utilize surveillance and monitoring technology to observe crowd dynamics in real-time.
– Drones and CCTV cameras may be employed where necessary to enhance security.

6. Public Awareness Campaigns:
– Conduct campaigns to educate the public on safety measures during gatherings.
– Promote peaceful assembly and discourage violence or unlawful behaviour.

7. Emergency Response Plans:
– Develop and disseminate emergency response plans for potential incidents.
– All personnel must be trained on these protocols.

8. Medical and Emergency Preparedness:
– Ensure a qualified medical team, emergency preparedness team, ambulances, and security personnel are present for events with over 300 participants, whether spiritual, physical, political, or social.
-Position medical teams and security personnel strategically within and outside the venue.

9. Provision of Essentials:
– Provide accessible packs of drinking water for participants.
– Ensure mobile toilets are available, with a sanitation team to maintain cleanliness.

10. Venue Accessibility:
– Avoid venues with only one entrance or exit to facilitate smooth crowd movement.

11. Legal Compliance:
– All actions taken must comply with all the laws in operations in Nigeria with full adherence and respect to the Constitutional rights of citizens to assemble peacefully.
– Any violations of these directives may result in legal action against the organizers or participants.

The directives, according to Ajulo,  also call for enhanced collaboration between event organizers, law enforcement agencies, and local government authorities. He stressed the importance of proactive measures, such as communication protocols and venue accessibility, to prevent incidents and ensure public safety.

The Ondo State  Chief Law Officer reiterated that these measures are designed to protect lives and property, urging full compliance from all parties involved.

“These crowd control measures are a testament to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to fostering a secure environment for public gatherings in Ondo State. Stakeholders are advised to familiarize themselves with the directives to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to a safer society,” Ajulo concluded.