Accusing fingers were pointed at President Bola Tinubu and the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government yesterday, as critics claimed they were responsible for the recent deadly stampedes that caused the death of dozens across the country....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
The Federal Government, through Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, however, appealed to politicians and stakeholders to desist from politicising the incidents, stating that they were not linked to President Tinubu’s economic reforms.
“It is worth noting that similar unfortunate occurrences have been recorded in the past, before the current administration. As such, any attempt to link these tragedies to the President’s reforms is unfounded and disingenuous,” Idris said in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim.
He reassured Nigerians that the reforms were designed to uplift all citizens, particularly the vulnerable, without causing distress, and are aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by these unfortunate incidents,” the minister said.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, a stampede at a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, in Ibadan, Oyo State, claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left six others critically injured.
Barely three days later, a second stampede occurred in Okija, Anambra State, during a rice distribution by the Obi Jackson Foundation, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people, including women, children, and the elderly, with over 30 others injured.
On the same day, a third stampede took place in Abuja at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where a crowd had gathered for a Christmas food-sharing event. Ten people, including four children, were killed, and eight others were injured.
Reacting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the rising incidents of food stampedes across the country as a grim reflection of the worsening levels of poverty, hunger, and desperation among Nigerians.
In a statement by its national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP accused the APC administration of plunging Nigerians into unprecedented poverty through what it described as “anti-people policies.”
“The APC-led administration has wrecked our once-thriving economy and pushed millions of Nigerians deeper into abject poverty and hunger. Many citizens, unable to afford daily meals, are now resorting to desperate measures, including slavery missions abroad and fighting for crumbs to survive,” the statement read.
The PDP lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundant resources, the APC government has failed to address the plight of citizens. “It is heartbreaking that Nigerians are dying struggling for food in a country blessed with enormous resources,” the party said, accusing the APC of being a party of “political vampires and buccaneers” with no regard for human life.
The opposition party also criticised the government’s handling of economic policies, including the abrupt increase in petrol prices and the floating of the naira, which it said had crippled the productive sector and worsened the plight of citizens.
According to the PDP, the situation is exacerbated by alleged large-scale corruption within the APC-led administration, citing “massive looting, budget padding, contract inflation, oil subsidy scams, palliative racketeering, and fraudulent programmes.”
The PDP called for urgent measures to address the economic challenges and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, urging the government to prioritise investment in agriculture and food production to ensure food security.
Similarly, a former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives.
In a heartfelt statement via his X-handle, Obi extended his condolences to the families of the victims and residents, where the incidents occurred.
“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food. A few days ago, about 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives in a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State. This morning, reports emerged of at least 10 people losing their lives in Abuja while scrambling for palliatives, with many others injured. Now, I just heard that about 19 more lives were lost in another stampede in Okija, Anambra State, as people struggled to receive food items,” Obi stated.
While acknowledging the efforts of organisers to provide palliatives to the poor, Obi described the incidents as stark reflections of the systemic failures plaguing the country.
“The desperate quest for survival in these harsh economic times has driven our people to extremes in their search for food, often at the cost of their lives,” Obi lamented.
He questioned how a country rich in resources and fertile land continues to experience widespread hunger and food insecurity. “How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers? How is it possible that we cannot feed our citizens despite the vast, fertile lands our nation is endowed with? My heart bleeds,” he added.
Obi commiserated with the affected families and prayed for strength to bear the losses. He also prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and for the swift recovery of the injured.
In the same vein, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) voiced deep concern over the escalating hunger and suffering faced by millions of Nigerians, attributing these challenges to the Federal Government’s economic policies.
The CNPP stated that the deadly stampedes highlight the urgent need for action from the administration of President Tinubu.
In a statement issued by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, the CNPP stressed that the current economic policies have led to devastating short-term impacts, increasing hardship for the populace.
The statement, released in Kaduna yesterday, called on the government to prioritise the survival of citizens before the long-term benefits of ongoing reforms can be realised.
“It is imperative that the federal and state governments prioritise the survival of its citizens before they can even begin to enjoy the so-called long-term benefits of ongoing reforms,” Ezema stated. “The reality is that Nigerians must be kept alive first; only then can they contribute to the nation’s economic growth and development.”
The CNPP urged President Tinubu to immediately reconsider the pricing of petroleum products, especially following the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery. The group also called for the release of crude oil to local refineries, including Dangote Refinery, at a highly subsidised rate for domestic consumption. According to Ezema, this move would reduce fuel prices and help alleviate transportation costs and expenses for manufacturing companies relying on fuel-powered generators.
The CNPP further emphasised that urgent intervention is necessary to address rising production costs, worsened by high energy prices, the devaluation of the naira, and soaring petroleum prices. This, they argued, would help ease the burden on Nigerians struggling to afford food.
“If these issues are not addressed, the increasing cost of production will continue to complicate Nigeria’s economic woes,” Ezema warned. “The current trajectory threatens to push more Nigerians into poverty and despair.”
The CNPP called for a comprehensive response from the Tinubu administration and state governments to address the plight of Nigerians. It urged the government to implement policies that prioritise the welfare of the people, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the quest for economic recovery.
Ezema concluded by stressing that the time for rhetoric had passed, urging the government to take decisive action that reflects the needs of the Nigerian people. “It is time for tangible action,” he said.
Also, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International-Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed concern over the growing desperation and hunger in Nigeria, blaming poor governance and inadequate responses to rising poverty levels for recent tragic events.
Reacting to the stampedes, Rafsanjani described the incidents as heartbreaking signs of severe hardship.
“These incidents reflect the difficult times Nigerians are facing under this administration,” he said. “The government appears detached from the realities on the ground and has failed to address the escalating poverty. Tragically, there are likely more unreported incidents as hunger drives people to desperation.”
“These tragic events are avoidable but highlight the depth of deprivation in our society,” Rafsanjani said, urging the government to tackle food insecurity and job creation.
He added that insecurity exacerbated the crisis, as farmers abandoned crops due to violence. “The Tinubu administration must prioritise securing the nation and revitalising agriculture,” he said, calling on state and local councils to support farming and reduce unemployment.
CISLAC also urged authorities to improve planning for aid distribution to ensure safety and prevent further tragedies.
For its part, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) said it was gravely concerned over the deadly stampedes, attributing the tragedies to the government’s failure to address worsening economic conditions.
The advocacy group accused both federal and state governments of “weaponising poverty,” creating an environment where desperate citizens risk their lives scrambling for necessities that were once affordable.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said these incidents were the result of severe hunger and deprivation, exacerbated by skyrocketing inflation, poor economic policies, and the weaponisation of poverty.
According to Onwubiko, Nigerians are dying while rushing for staple foods that were affordable just months ago under the previous administration. He highlighted the government’s failure to implement effective economic policies, which have pushed millions into desperation.
“The Maitama incident, during a charitable outreach for the vulnerable, claimed 10 lives and left eight others injured,” Onwubiko said. “In Ibadan, 35 children died at a school fair organised by the Wings Foundation and Agidigbo FM Radio, while the Anambra incident highlighted the dangers of poorly organised relief efforts in a country with millions living in poverty.”
HURIWA also blamed the removal of fuel subsidies without adequate compensation measures, worsening the cost of living and pushing many Nigerians into extreme poverty. The group noted that with over 133 million Nigerians classified as multi-dimensionally poor, hunger and deprivation have reached unprecedented levels.
“This government has turned poverty into a weapon, creating a situation where citizens are dying to secure basic sustenance. This is not governance; it is a tragedy,” HURIWA asserted.
The association warned that the recurring stampedes reflect a deeper crisis in Nigeria’s socio-economic structure, stressing that the country is dangerously close to becoming a failed state. It criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for implementing policies that have worsened the economic situation.
MEANWHILE, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, expressed his condolences to the governments and people of Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following the tragic loss of lives.
In his messages of sympathy to Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Prince Abiodun expressed his sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, noting that the deaths occurred in the pursuit of basic survival needs.
Acknowledging the prevailing economic challenges, the SGF Chairman affirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside other levels of government, is working towards improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
Prince Abiodun urged all citizens to exercise caution and adhere to security protocols during palliative distribution events to prevent further tragedies.
“Deaths such as these diminish us as a people. These disasters occurred during a time when families around the world are in a festive and joyous mood. It is indeed tragic,” he said.
On behalf of himself and the people of Ogun State, the governor commiserated with his fellow governors and the families of the victims, offering prayers for the souls of the departed.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Governor Abiodun added.
Particularly, Governor Soludo expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Okija.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo said he was deeply saddened by the tragic incident, which claimed the lives of women, including nursing mothers, pregnant women, the elderly, and children.
Soludo urged philanthropists and humanitarian organisations to prioritise the safety of beneficiaries during relief distribution activities. He called for better organisation, decentralisation, and adequate crowd control measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“It is essential to consider the various age demographics and adopt a structured approach to minimise overcrowding and ensure orderliness during such activities,” Soludo advised.
This came as the Lagos State Government cautioned organisers of charity activities and events to ensure proper safety measures are in place to prevent tragic incidents, warning that negligence could lead to criminal prosecution.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, emphasised the need for organisers of events with over 250 participants to register with the Lagos State Safety Commission.
Omotoso noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is deeply concerned about recent tragic incidents linked to charity events across the country and is determined to prevent similar occurrences in Lagos.
“No matter the type of event, organisers must consult the state Safety Commission,” Omotoso stated, adding that all emergency agencies in Lagos have been placed on high alert to ensure public safety.
Also, the Ondo State Government introduced new measures to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents.
Issuing directives on crowd control, the state government stressed the importance of safeguarding lives at public gatherings.
In a statement, the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Kayode Ajulo, announced the guidelines, codified as Directive No. 01-1224. These measures, he said, are designed to regulate public gatherings and ensure adequate crowd management.
Ajulo explained, “The directives are grounded in the powers vested in the Attorney General under Section 195 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 62 and 95 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State 2015, and Sections 2 and 4 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.”
Key provisions of the guidelines include mandatory notification to authorities before any public event. Law enforcement agencies will conduct thorough risk assessments, considering factors like expected attendance, venue, and potential security challenges.
Ajulo added, “Crowd management teams will monitor events, addressing any issues that arise, with clear communication channels established between organisers and law enforcement. Surveillance tools such as drones and CCTV cameras may also be deployed to monitor crowd dynamics in real time.”
The Attorney-General further urged organisers to educate the public on safety protocols, promote peaceful assembly, and discourage unlawful behaviour. Emergency response plans will also be developed, with personnel trained to handle incidents effectively.
“These measures are not intended to curtail citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly but to prioritise public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies,” Ajulo stated.
Reacting, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and injuries during a food distribution stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday morning.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, extended condolences to the Catholic Church and the families of the victims. He described the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the need for a society where every citizen feels safe and valued.
“We are disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday morning,” Okoh said. “At least 10 people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while seeking help from the church. This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member.”
The CAN President lamented that the event, intended to provide support to vulnerable individuals, turned into a disaster, leaving a heavy emotional toll on the community. He called on Nigerians to honour the memory of the victims by committing to a future marked by hope, safety, and mutual care.
He also highlighted similar tragic incidents within the same week, underscoring the urgent need for better crowd management during charitable events.
“On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede claimed the lives of 35 children, with six others critically injured. A few days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event in Anambra State, leaving at least 22 people dead and 32 injured,” Okoh said.
He stressed that these incidents are troubling patterns that demand immediate attention to improve safety protocols and prevent further tragedies.
Okoh urged Nigerians to show compassion and solidarity during this period of grief. “It is crucial that we listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer help in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we help one another heal,” he said.
The CAN President prayed for eternal rest for the departed souls and comfort for grieving families, calling on Nigerians to unite in kindness and shared humanity during this challenging time.
The House of Representatives called for the development of comprehensive guidelines for crowd control and management.
Chairman of the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Joseph Bassey, made the appeal in a statement yesterday, stressing the need for stakeholders organising charity events to prioritise participant safety to prevent further tragedies.
Bassey described the events as alarming, highlighting the urgent need for robust safety measures during large-scale charity activities.
While recognising the efforts of charitable organisations, individuals, and government initiatives to provide aid to vulnerable populations during the festive season, he emphasised that such tragedies underscore a “critical need for robust crowd management strategies to prevent further loss of lives and to ensure public safety.”
“In light of these events, the Committee calls upon citizens and relevant government agencies, especially state and local council emergency management authorities, to immediately develop and issue comprehensive guidelines for emergency and disaster preparedness,” Bassey said.
He recommended that the guidelines include clear protocols for crowd control at events with more than 20 beneficiaries to ensure organisers, security personnel, and first responders are adequately prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
“The House Committee stresses the importance of early engagement with professionals in crowd management and encourages organisers to collaborate with security agencies to avoid unnecessary risks. All stakeholders involved must prioritise participant safety to prevent further tragedies,” he added.
Bassey assured Nigerians that the committee is committed to working with stakeholders to implement legislative interventions and preventive measures.
He reiterated the House’s dedication to partnering with government agencies, emergency services, and other organisations to enforce safety protocols and mitigate risks at future events.
Relatedly, former President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed condolences to President Bola Tinubu over the recent stampedes.
In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Buhari also extended his sympathies to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
The former president urged the leaders to convey his words of comfort and support to the families and friends of the victims, while wishing those injured in the incidents a speedy recovery.
Buhari also sympathised with the Catholic community, which was affected by the tragedies, and prayed for strength and solace for all those impacted.
This was as Vice President Kashim Shettima described the stampedes as a national tragedy, offering prayers and pledging Federal Government support for the bereaved families.
Expressing deep sorrow, Shettima said, “I am extremely saddened by these tragic incidents that have claimed innocent lives. My prayers and thoughts are with the grieving families of all victims, including those who sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment.
“I am particularly distraught by the fact that so many lives of Nigerians, especially children, have been lost in stampedes that could have been avoided through proper planning and organisation. This is not just a loss for individual states; it is a loss for the entire nation. May the Almighty God grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed.”
The Vice President further assured affected families of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing necessary assistance, adding, “We stand ready to support the bereaved families through this difficult period, and no effort will be spared in providing the necessary assistance they need.
“We have directed relevant agencies to provide immediate support to affected families. To those currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, their recovery is our priority, and we will stand with them through this challenging time.” ...CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
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