The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has attributed the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja to government failures.
In his Christmas message delivered on Wednesday, the Bishop noted that these stampedes symbolized the desperation that citizens have been forced to endure.
“The tragedies that occurred in Okija, Ibadan, and Abuja where innocent people lost their lives in stampedes at food distribution points are a metaphor for the situation of desperation that citizens have been thrown into.
“The failures of government to respond concretely toward ending the horrible crisis of hunger and desperation has created the conditions for these avoidable tragedies.
“Citizens are lapsing into despair,” he said.
While pointing out that the unfortunate incidents were avoidable, the cleric said that government needs to work more collaboratively with institutions that help to promote the common good, adding that it is the duty of government to ensure minimum dignity for the people.
The cleric prayed that God grants eternal rest to the dead and console their families.
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It was reported that many lost their lives, and several others were injured in multiple stampedes in Anambra and the FCT during the distribution of food items on Saturday.
The development prompted the Inspector General of Police to ask organisers of similar charity works to carry security agencies along and ensure strict adherence to crowd and safety management protocols.
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