The House of Representatives’ minority caucus has called on all tiers of government to take specific steps to combat hunger and poverty in the nation.
In a statement released Thursday, minority leader Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers) said the caucus sympathized with the victims of the stampede that took place in Abuja, Ibadan, and Anambra.
The stampede happened during the distribution of giveaways by some individuals and groups, and it killed at least 70 people, including children.
According to Mr. Chinda, the caucus was astounded at the extent of the suffering, fatalities, and injuries that occurred at these sites. He identified with those who were injured to varying degrees and offered condolences to the families of those who perished in the stampedes.
“It is tragic and heartbreaking that these victims had to pay such a high price just to find food.” It is dehumanizing and pitiful. It is concerning that these horrible events are slowly becoming the norm throughout the nation as a result of the harsh economic conditions that have caused crippling poverty and destructive hunger.
We regret that many people who have fallen into unfortunate poverty and misery attend every palliative event in search of food due to difficult economic circumstances.
“The caucus strongly urges the Federal Government and various intervention agencies to take immediate actions toward increasing and improving empowerment programs in light of these troubling trends,” he stated.
Mr. Chinda urged the administration to take further action by making sure that palliatives reach the appropriate individuals who required them, claiming that the occurrences had drawn unfavorable international attention.
He demanded that venues provide enough medical care, crowd control, and security measures in order to provide empowerment palliatives.