Straight Talk By Obinna F. Nwachukwu
In a nation once self-sufficient in rice production, Nigeria has descended into a crisis where the staple food has become a luxury, claiming lives and livelihoods. The alarming rise in rice prices, from N8,500 a few years ago to a staggering N80,000 to more than N100,000 per 50kg rice today, has pushed millions of Nigerians to the brink of starvation. Indeed, my heart bleeds as I write this piece , and I know strongly that the bones of those that died struggling for rice to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus shall rise!
The recent tragic incidents of stampedes during rice distributions in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Okija, in Anambra State and Abuja, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, are a stark reminder of the desperation and despair gripping the nation. The fact that people are willing to risk their lives for a 10kg of rice is a scathing indictment of the government’s failure to address the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country.
On Saturday morning, a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama District of Abuja left 10 people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred during a grocery distribution event organised by the church to support poor residents of the Nigerian capital amidst Nigeria’s worst cost-of-living crisis.
Also on Saturday, many people were killed during a stampede in Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, south-east Nigeria, while taking part in the sharing of bags of rice. Witnesses told newsmen that the victims had gone to take part in the sharing of bags of rice donated by a renowned entrepreneur, Chief Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson.
Video clips, recorded shortly after the incident, have gone viral on social media. In one of the clips, several persons, mainly women, were lying lifeless on the ground. It was said that about 32 persons had been confirmed dead while many others were unconscious. “Some corpses were taken to Our Lady’s Hospital, Okija. I went there too,” an eye witness said.
Like Abuja, Okija, like Ibadan
The Abuja and Okija incidents happened few days after 35 people, mostly children, died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State, south-west Nigeria on Wednesday last week. Six others remain critically injured and are receiving various medical interventions.
The children, who set out for a day of fun, tragically met their untimely end. Such a high number of deaths in a single stampede has never been recorded in any part of the country before. The tragedy plunged not only the entire city of Ibadan into mourning but the nation as well, with sympathy and condolence messages pouring in from across Nigeria.
A statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade explained that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Bashorun Islamic High School. He stated that the government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team.
The former wife of Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola’s foundation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS), was confirmed as organisers of the event. The organisers, including the principal of the school, Mr. Fasasi Abdulahi, have been arrested. Others arrested include Genesis Christopher, 24; Tanimowo Moruf, 52; Anisolaja Olabode, 42; Idowu Ibrahim, 35; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.
Unfortunately, these ugly incidents took place at a time many Nigerians thought that past tragedies during palliative distributions had taught Nigerians valuable lessons.
The rice crisis is a symptom of a larger problem – a broken economy, plagued by inflation, unemployment, and corruption. The government’s inability to stabilize the economy, coupled with its failure to implement effective policies to boost local rice production, has led to this crisis.
As the prices of rice and other essential commodities continue to soar, the most vulnerable members of society – the poor, the elderly, and children – are bearing the brunt. The government must take immediate action to address the root causes of this crisis, rather than just providing temporary palliatives.
The Nigerian people deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes their welfare, ensures food security, and creates opportunities for economic growth. The rice crisis is a wake-up call for the government to rethink its priorities and take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of its citizens.
It is highly disheartening and rather blood- chilling, as it is a sensation of pity, that Nigerians are now dying for a commodity that is meant for merry – making and enjoyment for the Yuletide celebration and the new year. This is unacceptable and condemnable!
It is very saddening to witness Nigerians being paid with death while searching for food. The reports are unprecedented and can only be explained by the dire reality that many people are desperately looking for any possible means to obtain sustenance.
While we commiserate with the victims, regardless of the region they come from, this is a grim reminder of Nigeria’s current condition.
This unfortunate situation calls for introspection on the part of Mr. President. If he is not already aware, he should be now – Nigerians are going through hell while searching for food. Whose duty is it to address this plight?
It is in this light that I welcome the advise by the Nigerian Police Force directing that all organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning any public event, charitable activity, or large gathering in any part of Nigeria must notify the police Command in the state in advance so that the police would deploy adequate security measures to ensure public safety at such events.
The police warned that failure to comply with this directive would result in organisers being held liable for any loss of life or other consequences. This is the way to go and we should all support the police in ensuring that lives and livelihoods are preserved.
Furthermore, I urge the government to:
1. Implement urgent policies/ interventions to boost local production of rice and reduce dependence on rice imports.
2.Provide subsidies and support to farmers to increase rice yields and reduce costs.
3. Invest in infrastructure and logistics to improve the distribution of rice and other essential commodities.
4. Implement effective price control measures to prevent exploitation by middlemen and traders.
To Nigerians, be courageous on the face of the current depravation, hunger, and suffering! It’s well, and God is watching!
Meanwhile, I wish you, my dear reader, Merry Xmas.
END
QUOTE
“It is very saddening to witness Nigerians being paid with death while searching for food. The reports are unprecedented and can only be explained by the dire reality that many people are desperately looking for any possible means to obtain sustenance”.