The deadly stampede which reportedly resulted in the death of ten (10) vulnerable and elderly people that turned up to receive alms at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday, 21th December, 2024, is not surprising at all. The victims were not scavenging food for merriment but survival. It was an existential expedition which represents the general struggle of suffering Nigerian people.
Life has no meaning to a person who is not sure of their next meal; he/she can give up his/her live to earn a day's meal. This is the sad reality of life.
Same day, another similar tragedy has occured at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State. The report has it that, 'no fewer than 17 people have been killed and many others injured' following a stampede that occured during and after a rice-sharing event organised by Obi Jackson Foundation which is owned by Ernest Obiejesi, an oil magnet and philanthropist.
These tragedies can be put in perspective that poverty and hunger are widespread in Nigeria. Thus, the victims are desperate and will stop at nothing to scamper a morsel when opportunity presents itself.
The Church and the Foundation meant well for the people but the situation at hand has overwhelmed their good intentions leading to avoidable death.
The Maitama incident presents a curious scenerio. This is because the place is in the heart of Abuja. Maitama is one of the city's suburbs for the rich and powerful, but has sizeable number of poor people living there and doing menial jobs like security, domestic cooking, house, etc. There are many big mansions there but their owners hardly live in them.
Death is a fated human reality but the causes and timing could be human induced. Food, shelter and clothing are basic necessities of life. They are fundamental human rights. So, any person that is lacking in these rights is vulnerable and susceptible. Put it differently, poverty is a red flag!
For the sake of emphasis, it should be noted again and again that living in perpetual poverty is an accident waiting to happen. In other words, hidden in poverty are possibilities for mass destruction/death. Poverty is a tragedy, and tragedies can be induced by 'dynasty of poverty'.
It was a Dark Saturday on Saturday right under the nose of the seat of power, and at the heart of a well known South-East business state. These two incidents suggests that Nigeria's leadership and economic matrix has a wide inequality gap to bridge, and dishing out palliative by privileged economic agents (spirited individuals, corporate organisations and government) has proven ineffective.
A mass production strategy that will address mass poverty and hunger in the Country is urgently required. The modalities for wealth redistribution in the country have to be reviewed to minimise sharp material inequality. The new Tax Bill presents ample opportunity for inequality issues to be tackled headlong!
Never again, and may the souls of the departed victims find rest in the great beyond, and the families comforted!
*(Modest thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 21st Dec, 2024)*
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