'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampedes in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja that resulted in the deaths of approximately 70 individuals and left many others injured during palliative distribution events.
In a statement issued by the Minority Leader, Rep. O.K. Chinda, the Caucus described the incidents as "heartbreaking and heartrending," lamenting that vulnerable citizens, including children, nursing mothers, women, and the elderly, lost their lives in their quest for food and other necessities during the yuletide season.
The statement highlighted the severity of the tragedies, emphasizing the increasing frequency of such occurrences due to widespread hunger and economic hardship across the country. "It is worrying that these terrible occurrences are gradually becoming the norm across the country," Chinda said.
He attributed the stampedes to the biting economic situation, which has pushed many Nigerians into extreme poverty and desperation, leading to large crowds at any event promising food or aid.
The Minority Caucus urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to take immediate and concrete steps to address the underlying causes of hunger and poverty. They called for an increase in empowerment programs and more efficient distribution mechanisms to ensure aid reaches those who genuinely need it.
“With the negative global attention these avoidable incidents have generated, we reiterate that the FG and State Governments should do more by ensuring that these palliatives percolate to the right people that need such,” the statement said.
The Caucus also stressed the need for proper security arrangements, crowd management, and medical services at palliative distribution venues organized by governments, politicians, religious groups, and other stakeholders.
The Caucus extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed solidarity with those who sustained injuries. "We are saddened by the unnecessary loss of lives and pray for quick recovery for those injured,” Chinda said.
The Minority Caucus described the stampedes as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address Nigeria's worsening economic challenges. They urged the government to take decisive steps to alleviate hunger and poverty, ensuring that no citizen has to risk their life for basic sustenance.
The tragedies have sparked a national conversation on the need for sustainable solutions to Nigeria's hunger crisis, with calls for better planning and accountability in empowerment programs to prevent future occurrences.
