‘Crowd spiralled out of control’ — Kogi explains stampede during distribution of palliatives

There was a stampede at Lokoja, the Kogi capital, on Sunday as some residents carted away palliatives from a warehouse.

Yahaya Bello, in a short message on his Facebook page, however, denied reports that that the items were being looted.

He maintained that the crowd spiralled out of control during distribution.

“Kogi state has been distributing palliatives since 11th August, 2020. Palliatives are not being looted; the crowd spiralled out of control during distribution to victims of flood,” the post read.

Kingsley Fanwo, the state commissioner for information, who confirmed the incident, said several people sustained injuries and have been taken to the hospital.

“The Kogi State Government wishes to express deep appreciation to the good people of the State who turned out at the State Warehouse to share the remaining palliatives that were reserved for women and youth groups after Government had distributed the bulk of the palliatives to all the 21 Local Government Areas,” Fanwo said in a statement.

“The report at our disposal showed that Local Government authorities ensured the palliatives reached the masses and helped in ameliorating the hardship visited on our nation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We urge our people to continue to stand tall in public conduct as Government will always put their welfare on the front burners.”

The state government, however, cautioned criminals against vandalising properties of private individuals.