The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has decried the alarming state of hunger and desperation in Nigeria.
It blamed high rate of hunger in the land on poor governance and inadequate response to rising poverty levels.
Reacting to the tragic stampedes that claimed dozens of lives across the country during food distribution events, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani described the incidents as heartbreaking reflections of the severe hardship Nigerians are enduring.
Rafsanjani in a statement issued Saturday noted that it was a clear indication that Nigerians are facing very difficult times under this administration.
He said: “Unfortunately, the government appears detached from the realities on the ground and has failed to take the necessary steps to address a situation they helped to escalate.
“While these tragic incidents have been reported, many more may be occurring unnoticed as people are desperately hungry.
“In Abuja, a stampede during a food distribution exercise at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama claimed 10 lives, including four children, while leaving several others injured.”
Rafsajani noted that the event, intended to provide relief to vulnerable individuals, turned tragic early Saturday morning as a crowd of over a thousand overwhelmed the venue.
He recalled that a similar incident occurred in Okija, Anambra State, where a rice distribution exercise organised by a philanthropist, Chief Ernest Obiejesi resulted in the death of at least 12 people and left over 30 others injured.
Rafsajani stressed that in Ibadan, Oyo State, a children’s funfair hosted by Women in Need of Governance and Support (WINGS), an initiative of Queen Naomi Silekunola turned fatal when an overcrowded entrance led to a stampede.
He said many children tragically lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries as they struggled to gain access to the event.
He added: “These incidents are avoidable but highlight the depth of hunger and deprivation in our society.
“The government must urgently adopt measures to address food insecurity, create jobs, and alleviate the suffering of the people.”