The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed grave concern over the spate of deadly stampedes occurring across the country, attributing the tragedies to the government’s failure to address worsening economic conditions.
The advocacy group accused both federal and state governments of “weaponizing poverty,” creating an environment where desperate citizens now risk their lives scrambling for basic necessities that were affordable just months ago.
HURIWA condemned the most recent stampede in Maitama, Abuja, where ten individuals, including four children, lost their lives during a food distribution exercise at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Similarly, the group decried the crowd crush at a school fair in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children, and the stampede in Okija, Anambra State, where multiple casualties were recorded during the distribution of palliatives.
HURIWA lamented that these stampedes are the result of severe hunger and deprivation fueled by skyrocketing inflation, poor economic policies, and the weaponization of poverty.
“Nigerians are dying while rushing for staple foods that were affordable just a few weeks before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.
The government’s inability to implement effective economic policies has pushed millions into desperation,” the group stated.
The Maitama incident, which occurred during a charitable outreach to the vulnerable and elderly, claimed ten lives and left eight others injured. In Ibadan, the deaths of 35 children at a school fair organized by the Wings Foundation and Agidigbo FM Radio shocked the nation, while the stampede in Anambra State highlighted the peril of poorly organized relief efforts in a country where millions live in poverty.
According to HURIWA, the removal of fuel subsidies without adequate cushioning measures has exacerbated the cost of living crisis, forcing many Nigerians into extreme poverty. With over 133 million Nigerians classified as multi-dimensionally poor, according to recent reports, the group noted that hunger and deprivation have reached unprecedented levels.
“This government has turned poverty into a weapon, creating a situation where citizens are dying to secure basic sustenance. This is not governance; it is a tragedy,” HURIWA asserted.
The association emphasized that these recurring stampedes are symptomatic of a deeper crisis in Nigeria’s socio-economic fabric. It warned that the country is dangerously close to the brink of becoming a failed state.
“When citizens die in droves just to access food, it is clear that the state is failing in its primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and welfare of its people,” HURIWA said.
The advocacy group criticized President Tinubu’s administration for implementing poorly thought-out policies that have worsened the economic situation. It pointed out that the rising cost of staple foods, transportation, and other essential goods has left millions unable to meet basic needs.
“Before this administration, staple foods like rice and garri were within reach for the average Nigerian. Today, these have become luxury items, accessible only to a few,” HURIWA noted.
The association also accused state governments of compounding the problem by failing to prioritize grassroots development and welfare. It cited instances where poorly organized charitable events and palliative distributions have led to fatal stampedes, as seen in Anambra and other states.
HURIWA called for an immediate review of economic policies at both federal and state levels, urging leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens over political and personal gains. “Governments must stop paying lip service to poverty alleviation and take real steps to address the root causes of hunger and deprivation,” the group stated.
The association proposed several measures to prevent future tragedies and address the underlying causes of the current crisis. These include the immediate implementation of comprehensive social safety net programs to provide food, healthcare, and financial assistance to vulnerable populations.
HURIWA also called for massive investments in agriculture to increase food production and reduce dependency on imports.
Additionally, the group urged the federal government to introduce tax relief measures for low-income earners and small businesses to ease the economic burden.
It also advocated for the creation of job opportunities through public works programs and partnerships with the private sector.
HURIWA stressed the need for better coordination of relief efforts to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety during palliative distributions.
It called on event organizers to collaborate with local authorities and law enforcement agencies to manage large crowds and maintain order.
The advocacy group further emphasized the importance of accountability and citizen participation in governance. It urged Nigerians to demand transparency and hold their leaders accountable for policies that impoverish the masses.
HURIWA also called on President Tinubu’s administration to reverse policies that have exacerbated poverty and introduce people-centered reforms to rebuild public trust.
“This government must realize that the survival of its people is non-negotiable. Urgent steps must be taken to address the root causes of these tragedies and prevent Nigeria from sliding further into chaos,” the group stated.
As the holiday season approaches, HURIWA appealed to wealthy individuals and organizations to step up their philanthropic efforts to assist the less privileged. However, it stressed the need for such activities to be well-coordinated to avoid further tragedies.
In concluding its statement, HURIWA reiterated its warning that Nigeria is on the verge of a socio-economic collapse. It called on all levels of government to act decisively to reverse the trend and restore hope to the millions of Nigerians struggling to survive.
“The lives lost in Abuja, Ibadan, Anambra, and elsewhere are a grim reminder of the cost of inaction. The government must stop weaponizing poverty and take immediate steps to address the root causes of this crisis. Failure to act now will only push Nigeria further toward the precipice of a failed state,” HURIWA declared.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
December 21, 2024
