Hunger and Despair: The Tragic Stampedes That Reflect Nigeria’s Economic Crisis
Jerry Adesewo
Nigeria has been rocked by a series of tragic stampedes during charity events, leaving scores dead, including children, and countless others injured. These heartbreaking incidents, which occurred in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, have laid bare the dire hunger and hardship plaguing the nation. The loss of life is a reminder of the desperate state many Nigerians find themselves in, as they scramble for food and necessities to survive.
In Ibadan, tragedy struck during a school funfair organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat of Agidigbo FM. The event, intended to bring joy to participants, turned into a nightmare when a stampede broke out as thousands surged to gain access to the venue. Thirty-five children lost their lives, while others sustained injuries severe enough to require hospitalisation.
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The chaos from Ibadan had barely subsided when Abuja witnessed another horrific stampede during a Christmas palliative event at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Ten people, including four children, perished in the rush for food distribution, while ten others suffered serious injuries.
Hours later, tragedy struck again in Okija town, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. During a rice-sharing event, another stampede claimed at least 20 lives. What should have been an act of charity and goodwill became a scene of sorrow and anguish, underscoring the gravity of the nation’s hunger crisis.
The Hunger Relation
These calamities, though shocking, are not isolated events. They are symptoms of a much deeper crisis—the worsening economic hardship and hunger engulfing Nigeria. The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) rightly pointed out that the tragedies stemmed from the hunger crisis, which has caused many Nigerians to experience desperate circumstances.
The desperation was evident even in a less dramatic but telling incident I witnessed recently. At an event I coordinated, a young man’s first reaction upon entering was disdain for the snacks provided. “Wetin be this? Na biscuit these people wan serve?” he muttered, unaware I could hear him. His embarrassment when he realised I had overheard was palpable, but his frustration was also a stark reflection of the desperation in the land. His focus was not on the event’s purpose but on the hope of securing a meal.
This anecdote mirrors a larger reality: Nigerians are increasingly seeking opportunities to alleviate their suffering, whether through charity events or other means. The rising inflation, devaluation of the naira, and skyrocketing cost of living have left many struggling to afford food and other essentials. This economic despair has driven many to depend on charity events, which, when inadequately managed, result in fatal consequences.
The Ibadan tragedy was particularly telling. The event was planned for 5,000 people, but news of free food and gifts spread quickly, drawing over 7,500 attendees. The organisers, overwhelmed by the unexpected turnout, struggled to manage the crowd. The result was catastrophic. While the former queen and her partner have been arrested and are under investigation, the question remains: how many more such tragedies must occur before the government addresses the root causes?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with other leaders, has called for a thorough investigation into these incidents. While such probes are necessary, they are insufficient. The focus must shift to tackling the economic conditions that force people into such desperate situations. Millions of Nigerians are teetering on the brink of starvation, and the government’s current response has been grossly inadequate.
Food Security to the Answer
The loss of lives at these events underscores the urgent need for robust interventions to address food insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria. Hunger should not be a death sentence, yet, for many Nigerians, it is becoming just that. A comprehensive approach is required to prevent these tragedies from recurring.
First, the government must prioritise food security through large-scale agricultural reforms. Incentives for local farmers, subsidies for essential crops, and investment in storage facilities can help stabilise the food supply and reduce reliance on food imports.
Second, the distribution of palliatives and aid must be better coordinated. Clear communication, effective crowd control, and pre-registration systems are critical to avoiding the chaos that often turns these acts of charity into tragedies.
A model worth emulating is the Dangote Foundation’s food support programme, which has consistently demonstrated exemplary organisation. With a meticulous approach to planning and execution, the Foundation has avoided misadventures, ensuring aid reaches beneficiaries in a safe and orderly manner. Adopting similar practices nationwide could prevent further heartbreak and loss of life.
Finally, addressing systemic poverty and unemployment is key. Job creation initiatives, access to affordable healthcare, and education reform are long-term solutions that can alleviate the economic despair driving these tragedies.
These tragedies are not just statistics; they are a stark indictment of the state of the nation. The hunger and desperation that have claimed these lives reflect a deeper failure of governance and policy. Unless the government takes immediate and comprehensive action, more lives will be lost in the pursuit of basic survival.
Despite the grim reality, one fact remains clear: if another charity event is announced tomorrow, Nigerians will still flock to it. The desperation for food and sustenance outweighs the fear of danger. This recurring cycle of hope turned to tragedy must end, and it begins with addressing the root causes of the hunger crisis.
The victims of Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija deserve justice, not just through investigations but through systemic change that ensures no one else has to die in the pursuit of charity. Hunger and hardship should never be a death sentence, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that all Nigerians can live with dignity and security.