“The recent tragedies in Abuja, Ibadan, and Anambra serve as a stark reminder that safety at events is not a luxury but a necessity. As we embrace the festive season, it is imperative for everyone—organizers, attendees, and authorities—to prioritize safety over convenience. By adopting meticulous planning, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of vigilance, we can ensure that celebrations remain moments of joy, free from unnecessary tragedy”.
The festive season is a time of joy, reflection, and celebration, drawing people from all walks of life to events and gatherings. However, the recent stampedes in Abuja, Ibadan, and Anambra states have highlighted a grim reality: without stringent safety measures and personal vigilance, some joyous occasions can quickly turn tragic. These incidents call for a thorough analysis of the causes and a proactive approach to preventing such occurrences in the future.
Stampedes often result from a combination of factors, including overcrowding, panic, poor event management, and inadequate facilities. For individuals, the first line of defense lies in personal judgment. Attendees must critically evaluate the nature and scale of the events they plan to attend. Crowded gatherings may pose significant risks, especially for individuals with health conditions such as respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, or anxiety disorders. Understanding one’s limitations is important — certain environments are simply not conducive to everyone’s well-being.
Before attending any event, individuals should gather as much information as possible. Is the venue spacious enough for the expected crowd? Are there multiple exits? Is the event organised by reputable planners with a track record of prioritizing safety? These considerations are not mere formalities; they could be lifesaving. For instance, a concert in an open field with defined crowd control
measures is inherently safer than an overpacked indoor venue with limited ventilation. Personal preparation is equally vital. Wearing comfortable clothing and footwear that allows easy movement, avoiding bulky bags, and carrying essentials like a fully charged phone, an ID, and a small amount of cash can make a huge difference in an emergency.
While individual preparedness is important, event organisers bear the greater responsibility for ensuring safety. Proper crowd management begins well before the event day. Organisers must choose venues that can comfortably accommodate the expected number of attendees while adhering to legal capacity limits. Overcrowding is a major factor in stampedes, and preventing it requires stringent ticketing systems. Digital ticketing with QR codes can monitor attendance in real time and prevent unauthorized access.
A comprehensive risk assessment should precede every event. This involves identifying potential hazards, from blocked exits to uneven terrain, and creating contingency plans to address them. Organizers must ensure that all entry and exit points are clearly marked, unobstructed, and sufficient for the venue’s capacity. Emergency exits should remain unlocked and easily accessible at all times. Security personnel, trained in crowd control and emergency response, should be stationed strategically throughout the venue.
Communication plays a pivotal role in managing emergencies. Public address systems should be tested and operational, with clear instructions available to attendees. Event organizers must establish protocols for guiding crowds calmly during emergencies, minimizing the risk of panic-induced chaos. Equipping the venue with first-aid stations, paramedics, and on-site emergency responders is non-negotiable. Organizers should work closely with local authorities, including law enforcement and fire services, to ensure coordinated responses to any incidents.
From an analytical perspective, stampedes often stem from the lack of psychological preparedness among both attendees and organizers. Panic spreads rapidly in crowds, often exacerbated by a lack of clear communication or visible safety measures. Organizers can mitigate this by conducting pre-event safety drills for staff and rehearsing evacuation procedures. Meanwhile, public awareness campaigns can educate attendees on how to behave in large gatherings. Emphasizing calmness, cooperation, and attentiveness can greatly reduce the risk of panic during emergencies.
The role of technology in enhancing safety also cannot be overstated. Real-time crowd monitoring through surveillance cameras equipped with artificial intelligence can identify areas of high density and potential bottlenecks, allowing for immediate intervention.
While the responsibility for safety lies with both organizers and attendees, government regulatory bodies must also play a role. Stricter enforcement of safety standards for public events, regular inspections of venues, and penalties for non-compliance are essential. Furthermore, mandating emergency preparedness plans for event organizers can instill a culture of safety in th industry.
The recent tragedies in Abuja, Ibadan, and Anambra serve as a stark reminder that safety at events is not a luxury but a necessity. As we embrace the festive season, it is imperative for everyone—organizers, attendees, and authorities—to prioritize safety over convenience. By adopting meticulous planning, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of vigilance, we can ensure that celebrations remain moments of joy, free from unnecessary tragedy.
Job 11:18: “And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.”
Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a consummate professional with more than thirty (30) years work experience in Consulting, Conflict Resolution, Peace Building, Security, Law Enforcement, Academia, United Nation Peace Mission and an Apostolic Leader.
Ofonime is an author of more than thirty (30) books, a certified United Nation’s
a lTrainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership, Peace, and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon. With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is the President/Chancellor, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.
Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.
For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via: Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey
X: Dr. O.E Bassey
WhatsApp: +2347065828892
Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com
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