The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening hunger crisis, attributing the dire situation to poor governance and inadequate responses to escalating poverty.
Rafsanjani’s statement follows a series of tragic stampedes at food distribution events across the country, which claimed dozens of lives. He described these incidents as heartbreaking evidence of the severe hardship Nigerians face daily.
“This is a clear indication that Nigerians are enduring very difficult times under this administration,” Rafsanjani said. “The government appears detached from the realities on the ground and has failed to address a crisis they contributed to creating. While these tragic events make headlines, many more cases of desperation likely go unreported as people struggle to survive.”
Tragic stampedes
- Abuja: In Maitama, a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church turned tragic on Saturday morning when over 1,000 people overwhelmed the venue. Ten lives were lost, including four children, and several others were injured.
- Anambra State: In Okija, a rice distribution program organized by philanthropist Chief Ernest Obiejesi claimed at least 12 lives, with over 30 others injured. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as an uncontrolled crowd surged forward.
- Ibadan, Oyo State: A children’s funfair hosted by Women in Need of Governance and Support (WINGS), led by Queen Naomi Silekunola, also ended in tragedy. Overcrowding at the entrance caused a stampede, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
“These incidents were avoidable,” Rafsanjani emphasized, “but they lay bare the depth of hunger and deprivation in our society.”
Rafsanjani highlighted how insecurity exacerbates the crisis. Persistent banditry and violence have forced many farmers off their lands, drastically reducing agricultural output. He urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize national security and revitalize agriculture, calling for collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to encourage farming, reduce unemployment, and curb rural-urban migration.
CISLAC also called for better planning and coordination of aid distribution programs to prevent further loss of life and emphasized the need for policies targeting poverty alleviation and social inequality.
“The tragic events we’ve witnessed are a stark reminder of the growing desperation among Nigerians,” Rafsanjani said. “The government must act with urgency and compassion to address these challenges and restore dignity to the lives of its citizens.”
