Popular Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (Senior Advocate of Nigeria), has revealed the cause of the stampedes that recorded deaths in Abuja, Anambra and Oyo states.
According to a report by Channels Television on Sunday, December 22, 2024, Femi Falana said the stampedes were caused by mass hunger in the country.
He said the incidents were tragedies, and that the government should do necessary reforms to ensure the protection of the lives of the citizens.
Additionally, he urged organizers of charitable events to employ measures that will demonstrate humanity while giving food items or cash to the vulnerable.
“There is also a sociological dimension to this national shame of episodic loss lives in stampedes triggered by mass hunger in the land.
“This should not be ignored. It is the unpardonable lack of respect for the dignity of the needy on the part of the members of the middle and upper classes involved in charity.
“The individuals whose criminal negligence led to the avoidable tragedies are members of the ruling class.
“The federal government and state governments have not gone beyond sending condolence messages to the survivors and the family members of the casualties”, he said.
In the last three days, at least 65 persons have lost their lives in stampedes that occurred during food distribution events in Anambra, Oyo and Abuja.
Furthermore, over 35 persons, mostly children, died on Wednesday during a stampede that occurred at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
10 people died on Saturday during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama area of Abuja.
May God deliver us.
God have mercy.