Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has expressed outrage over the loss of more than 105 lives in stampedes during food and cash distribution events in Nigeria, blaming the tragedies on “poverty-induced neoliberal economic policies” and “criminal negligence.”
In a statement released on Sunday, Falana, who chairs the
Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond ASCAB, demanded justice for victims
of the tragic events, saying, “These tragic events are a national shame, the
victims were not just statistics but human beings driven to desperation by
systemic poverty and the gross incompetence of those entrusted with their
safety.”
DAILY POST recalls that on December 21, 2024, 12 people died
and 32 others were injured in Okija, Anambra State, during a scramble for rice
distributed by a philanthropist.
On the same day, a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, including children, as over 3,000 people jostled for palliatives.
Just two days prior, on December 19, 35 children lost their
lives in a stampede at a Christmas funfair at an Islamic High School, Basorun.
in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The loss of these innocent lives is heart-wrenching,”
Falana lamented.
“It underscores the indignity that poverty imposes on our
people.”
Falana also criticized the elite for their treatment of the
poor during such events, stating, “No member of the elite invites others to
lunch by throwing the food,” and condemned what he termed “class prejudice” in
the distribution of humanitarian aid.
He also announced plans to mobilize lawyers to pursue civil
suits against the organizers of these events.
“We will ensure survivors and families of the deceased are
adequately compensated,” Falana affirmed. “Those responsible for these
avoidable tragedies must be held accountable.”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com