By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Mu...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has condemned the worsening hunger crisis in Nigeria, blaming poor governance and insufficient responses to rising poverty levels for the desperate conditions facing millions of citizens.
Reacting to a series of tragic stampedes during food distribution events that have claimed dozens of lives across the country, Rafsanjani described the incidents as heartbreaking evidence 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 escalate. While these tragic incidents have been reported, many more may be occurring unnoticed as people are desperately hungry.”
In Abuja, a stampede during a food distribution exercise at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama claimed ten lives, including four children, and left several others injured. The event, intended to provide relief to vulnerable individuals, turned tragic on Saturday morning as a crowd of over a thousand overwhelmed the venue.
A similar tragedy unfolded in Okija, Anambra State, where a rice distribution exercise organized by philanthropist Chief Ernest Obiejesi resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people and injuries to over 30 others. Witnesses reported that an uncontrolled crowd caused the stampede even before the event began, underscoring the desperation among citizens.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, 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 others sustained injuries in the struggle to gain access to the venue.
“These incidents are avoidable but highlight the depth of hunger and deprivation in our society,” Rafsanjani stated. “The government must urgently adopt measures to address food insecurity, create jobs, and alleviate the suffering of the people.”
He also noted that the escalating insecurity in the country has exacerbated the crisis. Persistent banditry and violence have left many farmers unable to cultivate their crops, leading to reduced agricultural production and worsening food scarcity.
Rafsanjani urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize national security and agricultural revitalization. He called on state and local governments to actively encourage agricultural activities to curb rural-urban migration and reduce unemployment.
CISLAC also emphasized the importance of prioritizing policies that tackle poverty and inequality while ensuring safety and dignity during public aid and relief programs. The organization called for better planning and coordination to prevent further loss of life during such events.
“These tragic incidents are a stark reminder of the growing desperation among Nigerians,” Rafsanjani concluded. “The government must demonstrate effective and compassionate governance to address the critical challenges facing the nation.”
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