Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev Nicholas Ndukuba, has expressed concern over deaths caused by stampedes during the sharing of food and other items by charity organisations, blaming it on hunger in the land. Speaking on the state of the nation, yesterday, in Abuja, Ndukuba called for urgent actions to tackle the high level of poverty and hardship in the country.
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He lamented that Nigerians were going through pains as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, and hyperinflation in food prices, which has made families unable to provide for their children.

He said: “I believe this year seems to be much more difficult than last year; but all the same, we are hoping that the issue of hunger in the land and poverty will be addressed. The issue of food security must be taken seriously. The issue of security or tackling the problem of insecurity is an urgent matter because if you look at what we are suffering now, many farmers could not go to farm because of insecurity”.

SIMILARLY, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ike called on the Federal Government and political leaders to immediately put in place, practical and visible efforts to ameliorate the hardship in Nigeria.

Ike, who made the call, yesterday, in his Christmas Message, tagged; “Jesus Christ is the reason for the season,” lamented the recent loss of lives of Nigerian citizens struggling to access food items being shared by spirited individuals and organisations in Oyo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Abuja.
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He insisted that the disaster happened because there was great hunger in the country, warning that the passage of the budget, policies and government consolatory messages would amount to nothing if hunger and hardship in the country were not immediately tackled.

MEANWHILE, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has condoled with victims and families affected by the stampede in Abuja, Anambra and Oyo states.

The minister, in a statement personally signed by him, said: “I am deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident, which has resulted in injuries and, tragically, the loss of lives. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, and I extend my support to the families grieving during this difficult time”.

He urged individuals and organisations involved in food distribution to collaborate with security agencies and ensure effective crowd management to prevent such incidents in the future, stressing that everyone must take all necessary measures to safeguard the lives and dignity of the people.

According to him, the Federal Government is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, saying the President is dedicated to improving food security and providing access to quality and affordable food for all Nigerians.
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