The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani, has expressed deep concern over the escalating hunger and desperation in Nigeria, blaming poor governance and inadequate measures for the rising poverty levels.
Reacting to recent stampedes that resulted in the tragic loss of lives during food distribution events, Mr. Rafsanjani described the incidents as a sobering reflection of the hardship Nigerians are enduring.
“This is a clear indication that Nigerians are facing very difficult times under this administration,” he stated.
“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.”
In Abuja, a food distribution exercise at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama turned tragic when a stampede claimed ten lives, including four children, and left several others injured. The event, aimed at assisting vulnerable individuals, became chaotic early Saturday morning as a crowd of over a thousand overwhelmed the venue.
Similarly, in Okija, Anambra State, a rice distribution program organized by philanthropist Chief Ernest Obiejesi ended in disaster, with at least 12 people dead and over 30 injured. Witnesses described the crowd’s desperation as uncontrollable, leading to a stampede before the event could begin.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, a children’s funfair organized by Women in Need of Governance and Support (WINGS), an initiative of Queen Naomi Silekunola, also turned fatal. Overcrowding at the entrance resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of many children and left several others injured.
“These incidents are avoidable but highlight the depth of hunger and deprivation in our society,” Mr. Rafsanjani lamented.
He further emphasized the urgent need for the government to address food insecurity, create jobs, and alleviate widespread suffering. “The escalating insecurity in the country has made this crisis worse. Many farmers are unable to cultivate crops due to persistent banditry and violence, leading to reduced agricultural production,” he added.
Mr. Rafsanjani called on the Tinubu administration to prioritize national security and revitalization of the agricultural sector. He urged state and local governments to actively encourage agricultural activities to curb rural-urban migration and tackle unemployment.
CISLAC also appealed to federal and state governments to adopt policies that address poverty and inequality, ensuring safety and dignity during public aid and relief programs. The organization stressed the importance of improved planning and coordination to prevent further loss of life.
“These tragic incidents serve as a stark reminder of the growing desperation among Nigerians and the urgent need for effective and compassionate governance to address the challenges facing the nation,” Mr. Rafsanjani concluded.
