The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has blamed recent stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja on worsening hunger crisis in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC said hunger is causing desperation among the population which has been rendered rudderless by poor governance and inadequate response to rising poverty levels.
Reacting to the tragic stampedes that claimed dozens of lives across the country during food distribution events, Rafsanjani described the incidents as heartbreaking reflections of the severe hardship Nigerians are enduring.
“This is a clear indication that Nigerians are facing very difficult times under this administration,” he said. “Unfortunately, the government appears detached from the realities on the ground and has failed to take the necessary steps to address a situation they helped to escalate. While these tragic incidents have been reported, many more may be occurring unnoticed as people are desperately hungry,” he said.
CISLAC recalled that in Abuja, a stampede during a food distribution exercise at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama claimed 10 lives, including four children, while leaving several others injured. The event, intended to provide relief to vulnerable individuals, turned tragic early Saturday morning as a crowd of over a thousand overwhelmed the venue.
It also pointed to a similar incident that occurred at Okija, Anambra State, where a rice distribution exercise organized by philanthropist, Ernest Obiejesi resulted in the death of at least 12 people and left over 30 others injured. Witnesses reported that an uncontrolled crowd caused a stampede before the event could commence, underscoring the desperation among citizens.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, CISLAC noted that a children’s funfair hosted by Women in Need of Governance and Support (WINGS), an initiative of Queen Naomi Silekunola, turned fatal when an overcrowded entrance led to a stampede. Many children tragically lost their lives, while many others sustained injuries as they struggled to gain access to the event.
“These incidents are avoidable but highlight the depth of hunger and deprivation in our society,” Rafsanjani added. “The government must urgently adopt measures to address food insecurity, create jobs, and alleviate the suffering of the people.”
He further stated that the escalating insecurity in the country has exacerbated this crisis, lamenting that many farmers are unable to cultivate crops due to persistent banditry and violence, leading to reduced agricultural production.
“The Tinubu administration must prioritize securing the nation and revitalizing the agricultural sector. State and local governments must also play an active role in encouraging agricultural activities to curb rural-urban migration and reduce unemployment,” Rafsanjani said.
The group urged the federal and state governments to prioritize policies that tackle poverty and inequality while ensuring the safety and dignity of citizens during public aid and relief programs.
The organization also called for improved planning and coordination during such events to prevent further loss of life.
Stressing that the tragic incidents serve as a reminder of the growing desperation among Nigerians, CISLAC called for an effective and compassionate governance to address the challenges facing the nation.
