The executive director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has condemned the alarming state of hunger and desperation in Nigeria, stating the devastating impact of poor governance and an inadequate response to rising poverty levels.
Reacting to the tragic stampedes that claimed dozens of lives across the country during food distribution events in a press release issued at the weekend, Rafsanjani described the incidents as heartbreaking reflections of the severe hardship Nigerians are enduring.
“This is 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 ten lives, including four children, while leaving several others injured.
The event, intended to provide relief to vulnerable individuals, turned tragic early Saturday morning as a crowd of over a thousand overwhelmed the venue.
