Economic Hardship and Hunger Claim Scores of Lives in Deadly Stampedes Across Nigeria

Economic Hardship and Hunger Claim Scores of Lives in Deadly Stampedes Across Nigeria

Nigeria has been plunged into chaos following a series of devastating stampedes that have claimed the lives of scores of people, including children, in Abuja, Okija, and Ibadan. The most recent incident occurred at a children's funfair in Ibadan, where no fewer than 35 children lost their lives, and many others were severely injured. The event was organized by the foundation of the Ooni of Ife's ex-wife.

Governor Seyi Makinde has strongly condemned the incident, promising to deal with everyone involved. However, the tragedy is not an isolated incident. Dozens of Nigerians have also lost their lives in stampedes resulting from the distribution of palliatives in the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra on Saturday, as people struggled to access basic necessities during the Christmas season.

The stampedes are a stark reminder of the unprecedented hardship and hunger that Nigerians are facing, exacerbated by the removal of the petrol subsidy and other economic decisions by President Bola Tinubu's administration. The high cost of living and widespread hunger have created a sense of desperation among many Nigerians, who are struggling to survive.

Unfortunately, stampedes are not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. In 2014, at least 18 job seekers died, and many others were injured, during a recruitment exercise by the Nigeria Immigration Service. In 2017, five people were confirmed dead during a stampede to collect N500 alms at the residence of a businessman in Katsina. More recently, in 2022, 31 people were killed, and seven others injured, in a stampede at a church event in Port Harcourt where free food was being distributed.

Other incidents include a stampede at a Lagos church in 2022, where two people died, and a stampede at Nasarawa University in 2024, where at least three students died while looting rice given for distribution by the government. In Kwara State, no fewer than 20 people died, and several others were injured, during a sallah stampede in Ilorin in 2023. In Bauchi, seven people were trampled to death in an almsgiving stampede at a company in March 2024.

The presidency's response to the stampedes has been criticized for deflecting blame rather than taking responsibility and providing support to those affected. While the presidency has pointed to similar stampedes that occurred in previous administrations, many Nigerians are questioning the government's policies, which have led to the current economic hardship and hunger.

As the death toll continues to rise, many Nigerians are calling for greater accountability and a more compassionate approach to governance. The government must take responsibility for its actions and provide support to those affected by the stampedes. Furthermore, the government must address the root causes of the economic hardship and hunger that are driving people to desperation.

The international community is also being called upon to provide assistance to Nigeria during this difficult time. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations can play a crucial role in providing food aid and other forms of support to those affected by the stampedes.

In conclusion, the deadly stampedes in Nigeria are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of economic hardship and hunger. The government must take immediate action to address the root causes of these problems and provide support to those affected. The international community must also provide assistance to Nigeria during this difficult time. Only through a collective effort can we hope to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.