Stampedes: Ondo AG Issues New Crowd Control Guidelines for Public Gatherings

By: Bayero Ade

In response to the rising number of crowd-related incidents across the country, Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, has announced a series of new directives aimed at improving crowd management and ensuring public safety during events. The guidelines are designed to regulate public gatherings and protect the lives and property of attendees.

The directives, issued under Directive No. 01-1224, are based on the powers vested in the Attorney General by the Nigerian Constitution and relevant state laws. Dr. Ajulo emphasized that while these measures are focused on crowd control, they also respect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

Key elements of the new guidelines include mandatory risk assessments by law enforcement agencies for planned events, with organizers required to notify local authorities in advance. Details such as the event’s date, time, and expected attendance must be provided. Adequate security personnel will be deployed to manage crowds, gather intelligence, and maintain order before and during the event. Law enforcement will also use technology, including drones and CCTV, to monitor crowds in real time.

The guidelines also call for clear communication between event organizers and authorities, public awareness campaigns about safety during gatherings, and the development of emergency response plans. For events with over 300 attendees, medical teams, ambulances, and sanitation facilities must be available. Venues with only one entrance or exit are discouraged to facilitate smoother crowd movement.

Dr. Ajulo urged greater cooperation between event organizers, law enforcement, and local government officials to ensure the guidelines are followed. He stressed that these measures are essential for preventing crowd-related accidents and maintaining public order.

“These crowd control directives reflect Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to creating a safer environment for public events in Ondo State,” Dr. Ajulo said, urging all parties involved to familiarize themselves with the guidelines to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to public safety.