The recent stampede in Okija, Anambra State, where about 22 people as confirmed by the police, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and nursing mothers, tragically lost their lives while scrambling for relief materials to celebrate Christmas, painfully reminds us of the dangers of unchecked crowds and the urgent need for better planning of public philanthropic events.
This heartbreaking incident, following similar recent tragedies in Ibadan and Abuja, also reflects the critical importance of prioritising safety and human life in all our endeavours, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations.
