As we reflect on the tragic series of stampedes that claimed over 100 lives during food distribution events across Nigeria this December, we are compelled to confront the deeper issues that lie beneath these heartbreaking incidents. These tragedies are not mere accidents; they are the painful manifestations of a society grappling with systemic poverty and a government that has chosen to weaponize handouts rather than foster empowerment through sustainable development.
In Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, the desperation for food led to chaos and death. Families gathered in droves, driven not by holiday cheer but by the grim reality of hunger. The scenes of children and women crushed in the frenzy are haunting reminders of our collective failure to provide for the most vulnerable. It is unacceptable that such a loss of life could stem from a so-called act of kindness—a stark indictment of how our society has come to rely on temporary palliatives rather than long-term solutions.
On December 18, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, a tragic incident occurred where at least 35 children were harmed during a funfair that was reportedly hosted by Naomi Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife. Similarly, in Abuja, the capital city, a large crowd gathered early on Saturday at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, drawn by the promise of food assistance during the holiday season. Unfortunately, this event resulted in the deaths of 10 people, with many others sustaining serious injuries. In Anambra, on December 21, another unfortunate event unfolded at the Obijackson Centre in Okija, organized by Ernest Obiejesi. The situation was equally dire, with poor crowd management leading to chaos. Ultimately, over 29 individuals lost their lives, many of whom were children, caught in the crush of the crowd.
While it is easy to point fingers at those who organized these gatherings, the underlying issue lies in the alarming number of attendees, which reflects the deep-seated poverty in the country. The unexpected influx of people led to the stampede; had the organizers anticipated 5,000 attendees but only 500 had come, such a tragedy might have been avoided. What began as a charitable effort unfortunately turned into a disaster.
The government’s approach to poverty alleviation has been fundamentally flawed. President Bola Tinubu’s boasts about distributing palliatives without incident at his home in Ikoyi for over a decade should not be a point of pride. Instead, it highlights the absurdity of a system that reduces the dignity of the poor to a mere handout, perpetuating a cycle of dependency rather than lifting citizens out of poverty. It is akin to teaching people to wait for fish rather than equipping them with the means to fish for themselves.
The Nigerian authorities must take significant accountability for the occurrences of these stampedes. Such events are not one-off incidents; they are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues. They stem from a consistent disregard for the nation’s most at-risk populations and a lack of effective measures to combat hunger within the country.
In contrast, consider the average security personnel in the United States. A security guard there can walk into a Walmart and purchase a turkey or chicken for the holidays, thanks to a salary that reflects the economic realities of their society. In Nigeria, the stark disparity is evident: our security personnel struggle to afford even basic festive meals, forcing them into desperate situations where they are compelled to scramble for handouts. This disparity breeds a volatile environment where stampedes can occur.
The root of these stampedes lies in a broader systemic issue—one that encompasses inadequate infrastructure, lack of empowerment, and rampant poverty. As the country grapples with an estimated over 100 million citizens living in multidimensional poverty, it is clear that the reliance on food distribution events is a misguided approach to addressing hunger. The Nigerian government must pivot from temporary fixes to sustainable solutions that empower citizens and provide the necessary amenities for a fulfilling life.
Moreover, the knee-jerk reactions of our security operatives following these tragedies only exacerbate the problem. Instead of investigating the circumstances that led to these incidents and seeking accountability, they often resort to arresting event organizers. This practice not only distracts from the real issues at hand but also creates an environment ripe for corruption as families feel pressured to bribe for their loved ones’ release. It is a tragic irony that the very agents tasked with ensuring public safety often contribute to the cycle of fear and exploitation.
We must collectively call for a paradigm shift in our approach to poverty alleviation. Rather than treating the symptoms of poverty with temporary handouts, we must address the root causes: a lack of education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The government must invest in infrastructure that supports farmers and encourages self-sufficiency, ensuring that no Nigerian ever has to risk their life for a meal.
Nigerians must engage in self-education to address various social issues. The disorder witnessed in cities such as Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra stemmed not only from inadequate organization by officials but also from a shared sentiment of impatience and urgency prevalent during public gatherings in the country. As Nigerians, we always find it difficult to be orderly. Queueing up in an orderly manner in public places is like a taboo.
As we mourn the victims of these recent stampedes, let us not allow their deaths to be in vain. We must demand a commitment from our leaders to create a society where basic needs are met, where dignity is restored, and where the cycle of poverty is broken. Only then can we hope for a Nigeria where people gather not out of desperation, but in celebration of a life well-lived.
