Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has blamed the Nigerian Police Force for the deaths of 115 Nigerians during recent food stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra States.
Speaking in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a public lecture organized in memory of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Falana attributed the tragic incidents to police negligence and called for accountability.
“The deaths of 115 Nigerians in the recent incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija are unacceptable. The police failed to protect the people, and I hold them responsible. The government must pay compensation to the families who lost their loved ones because of these failures,” Falana said.
The lecture, titled **“Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example,”** marked the first in a series honoring the legacy of Akeredolu.
Falana emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to address social insecurity, citing poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy as underlying causes. He stressed that without robust social security measures, the physical security of citizens cannot be guaranteed.
He praised Akeredolu’s contributions to security through the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, describing Ondo State as a model for peace and security in Nigeria.
“Today, all 36 state governors have approved state policing, but it was Akeredolu who laid the groundwork by enacting the law that legitimized Amotekun. That singular action has made Ondo State the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” Falana said.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded Akeredolu, extolled the late governor’s achievements in security, infrastructure, education, and health.
“His administration’s achievements remain profound—roads, bridges, health centers, and education reforms that continue to inspire us. His passion for the security of lives and property has made Ondo State one of the safest and most peaceful in Nigeria,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Akeredolu, who passed away on December 26, 2023, at the age of 67 after battling prostate cancer, was remembered for his boldness, dedication to justice, and unwavering commitment to the Rule of Law.
The event also featured tributes from Afenifere Chieftain Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, who commended Akeredolu for prioritizing the security and development of Ondo State and urged continued efforts to sustain his legacy.
