The Nigerian government has strongly rejected attempts to link recent tragic stampedes during food distribution events to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has urged politicians to refrain from making unfounded connections between the stampedes and the president’s policies.
Idris made this call after over 70 people lost their lives, including around 40 children, in tragic stampedes that occurred during food distribution in several states, including Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja.
The incidents, which occurred in December, have drawn widespread attention. The Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, was among those who blamed the stampedes on Nigeria’s systemic failures.
Obi pointed to the widespread hardship faced by Nigerians as a key factor in the tragic events. He suggested that the ongoing economic difficulties in the country contributed to the overcrowding and chaos at food distribution points.
However, the Minister of Information quickly rejected this view, stressing that the stampedes were not linked to President Tinubu’s economic reforms.
In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris expressed deep sympathy for the families of the victims.
He acknowledged the severity of the tragedy and recognised the emotional toll it has taken on the affected communities.
“The government stands with the families of those who lost their loved ones in these tragic incidents,” Idris said. “Our hearts go out to the victims, and we pray for the strength and comfort of their families.”
The minister also emphasised the importance of proper crowd management, especially during charity events, which are often held around the festive season.
Idris noted that although the intention behind the events was to provide relief to vulnerable Nigerians, poor crowd control and lack of adequate safety measures led to the tragic loss of lives.
“We must be vigilant and ensure that when charitable activities are being carried out, proper crowd management techniques are used,” he said.
Idris also underscored the role of law enforcement in managing such large gatherings. He urged organisers to comply with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, who had previously advised organisers to work closely with the police for effective crowd control.
Collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was also identified as crucial to safeguarding lives during such events.
“Coordination with the police and NEMA is vital to preventing any incidents that might cause harm or distress to the public,” Idris said.
Despite the tragedy, the minister warned politicians against using the stampedes as a political tool. He rejected claims that the events were a consequence of the current administration’s reforms.
“It is important to understand that these types of tragedies have occurred in the past, even before this administration came into power,” Idris said. “Linking these incidents to President Tinubu’s reforms is both unfounded and disingenuous.”
Idris explained that the president’s economic reforms were aimed at revitalising the country’s economy and improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable.
“These reforms are designed to uplift the lives of all Nigerians and ensure sustainable growth,” he said. “They are meant to bring relief, not cause distress.”
The Minister also pointed out that Nigeria’s past history had seen similar incidents during food distributions, which further supported his argument that these tragedies were not new and should not be linked to the government’s current policies.
He stressed that while the government remained committed to improving the economy and assisting the vulnerable, there was a need for everyone involved in such charitable activities to take responsibility for ensuring safety and order.
Idris reiterated that the government would continue to support relief efforts but urged organisers to adhere to security protocols and ensure proper coordination with relevant authorities.
“The safety of Nigerians is our utmost priority, and the government is committed to providing assistance in every way possible,” he added.
In the wake of the stampedes, many Nigerians have called for an overhaul of the ways in which charitable food distributions are organised. They pointed out that better crowd control and planning could have prevented the deadly chaos.
This tragedy has sparked wider conversations about the economic struggles faced by Nigerians, especially in the lead-up to the Christmas season, when many rely on food aid during times of hardship.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again and that future charitable events are conducted with greater safety and organisation.
The government, led by President Tinubu, has reiterated its commitment to improving the livelihoods of all Nigerians, particularly those in dire need.
“It is crucial that the current administration’s reforms are not misrepresented,” Idris said. “We are working tirelessly to improve the Nigerian economy and the lives of our citizens, and we will continue to do so.”
As the holiday season approaches, the government has called on all Nigerians to be more mindful of safety measures during public gatherings, particularly those involving food distribution and charity efforts.
“Let us work together to ensure that these events are carried out smoothly, without any further loss of life or distress,” Idris concluded.
