The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has blamed the recent tragic stampedes in Oyo and Anambra states and that of Abuja on the failures of the government to ensure food security in the country.
The assertion is contained in his message to Christians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.
“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. The Catholic Church is not new to providing succour for the needy and vulnerable. Under the auspices of St. Vincent de Paul, the Church continues to provide succour to the poor across the wider society. These tragedies were avoidable.
“Government needs to work more closely with institutions that help to promote the common good of our society. May God grant eternal rest to the dead and console their families. It is the duty of government to ensure minimum dignity for our people,” the Bishop said.
