CISLAC condemns deadly stampedes amid rising hunger crisis in Nigeria
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed grave concern over the escalating hunger crisis in Nigeria, following a series of deadly stampedes during food distribution events. The organisation’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has blamed poor governance and the government’s inadequate response to growing poverty for the tragic loss of lives.
Rafsanjani referred to the stampedes as stark reflections of the extreme hardship Nigerians are facing, particularly during the ongoing Yuletide season. “This is a clear indication that Nigerians are enduring unbearable hardship under this administration,” he said. “The government seems disconnected from the realities on the ground and has failed to take the necessary steps to prevent a crisis they contributed to.”
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In the capital, Abuja, a food distribution exercise at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama turned deadly on December 14, when a stampede led to the deaths of ten people, including four children. The crowd, estimated at over a thousand, overwhelmed the venue, resulting in several injuries.
A similar tragedy unfolded in Okija, Anambra State, during a rice distribution by philanthropist Chief Ernest Obiejesi. The chaotic scene claimed at least 12 lives and injured over 30 people, with witnesses describing an uncontrolled crowd that led to the fatal stampede.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, a children’s funfair organized by Women in Need of Governance and Support (WINGS) saw another stampede, causing multiple fatalities and injuries among the young attendees. The overcrowded entrance to the event triggered the deadly crush.
“These incidents are not only avoidable, but they also highlight the depth of hunger and deprivation in our society,” Rafsanjani remarked. He stressed the urgency for the government to take meaningful action to address food insecurity, create jobs, and alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian people.
Rafsanjani also pointed to the role of insecurity in exacerbating the food crisis, as farmers continue to face challenges due to banditry and violence in rural areas. This has significantly reduced agricultural production, further compounding food shortages. He called on the Tinubu administration to prioritize security and revitalizing the agricultural sector as key steps in combating the crisis. He also urged local and state governments to foster agricultural activities to curb rural-urban migration and reduce unemployment.
CISLAC has called for an overhaul of public relief efforts to ensure that safety and dignity are maintained during aid distribution programs. The organization urged both federal and state governments to implement policies focused on poverty reduction, food security, and the protection of citizens.
“The tragic deaths resulting from these stampedes serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the desperation facing Nigerians, and the need for compassionate and effective governance,” Rafsanjani concluded.
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