Global human rights organization, Amnesty International, has condemned the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, holding it responsible for the death of 65 Nigerians in stampedes triggered by the distribution of free rice.
The deaths occurred in separate incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija within a single week, exposing the depth of hunger and poverty ravaging the nation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Amnesty International attributed the tragic loss of lives to the widespread hunger, high unemployment, and plummeting living standards under Tinubu’s government.
The group urged the administration to urgently address the worsening socio-economic conditions that have left millions of Nigerians on the brink of starvation.
“This week, 65 people died across Nigeria at rice-sharing stampedes: Ibadan, where 35 children died; Okija, where 20 people died; and Abuja, where 10 people lost their lives.
Millions of people are on the brink of starvation, widespread malnutrition, and deep poverty. President Bola Tinubu’s government must urgently prioritize addressing these challenges,” the statement read.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, tragedy struck on Wednesday at the Islamic High School in Bashorun during a children’s Christmas party organized by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife.
The event, heavily promoted by Agidigbo 88.7 FM, turned deadly when a stampede ensued, claiming the lives of at least 35 children.
The Oyo State Government confirmed the fatalities, with witnesses describing chaotic scenes as children scrambled for distributed items.
On Saturday morning, a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, claimed 10 lives, including four children, and left eight others injured.
The incident occurred during the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable and elderly residents.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident.
“This tragic event, which happened at about 6:30 am, led to a stampede that claimed the lives of ten individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries,” Adeh stated.
Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while others are still receiving medical attention.
The police extended their condolences to the victims’ families and pledged a review of crowd control measures during future distributions.
In Okija, Anambra State, another stampede during rice distribution led to the death of at least 20 residents in the Ihiala Local Government Area.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the casualties may be higher, with one witness alleging over 100 victims, including pregnant women.
Although the police have not confirmed the total number of casualties, the incident underscores the desperation among Nigerians amid severe economic hardship.
Amnesty International has called on the federal government to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable Nigerians.
“These tragic incidents are avoidable. The government must ensure food security and protect the dignity and lives of its citizens,” the organization said.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
