The Minority Caucus urges the government to tackle poverty and hunger after stampedes in Abuja, Ibadan, and Okija claimed over 70 lives.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on the government at all levels to take immediate and targeted actions to address the growing issues of poverty and hunger in Nigeria, following a series of deadly stampedes.
The tragic events, which took place during the distribution of giveaways in Abuja, Ibadan, and Okija in Anambra, resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 70 individuals, including children.
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In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers), expressed the caucus’ shock and sorrow at the devastating loss of life.
“It is heartbreaking, and heartrending that these victims paid the supreme price in search of what to eat. It is pathetic and dehumanising,” Chinda said, adding that the severity of the pain, deaths, and injuries inflicted in these stampedes was deeply distressing.
The stampedes, which occurred at events organised by various individuals and groups distributing palliative items, have drawn national and international attention.
Chinda pointed out that the incidents highlight the dire state of poverty and hunger in the country, exacerbated by the harsh economic conditions that have left many Nigerians struggling to survive.
“Due to the biting economic situation that has led to debilitating poverty and corrosive hunger, it is worrying that these terrible occurrences are gradually becoming the norm across the country,” he said.
The Minority Leader expressed concern that many people, driven by extreme hardship, are forced to take dangerous risks at palliative events in search of food.
The caucus strongly urged the Federal Government and relevant intervention agencies to take swift action in improving and increasing empowerment programmes to alleviate the suffering of the citizens.
“We are saddened that as a result of harsh economic realities, many people who have fallen into untoward hardship and penury throng every palliative event in search of what to eat,” Chinda stated.
The recent stampedes have garnered global attention, highlighting the urgent need for the government to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
Chinda called on the government to put in place effective security arrangements, crowd management measures, and appropriate medical services at palliative distribution points to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
