The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, says government failures were responsible for the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra and Abuja.
The Bishop stated this on Wednesday in his Christmas message, stressing that the stampedes were a metaphor for the situation of desperation that citizens have been thrown into.
“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 noting that the tragedies were avoidable, the cleric said that government needs to work more closely 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.
Salient Times reports that many lost their lives, and several others were wounded 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.
