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Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has blamed the recent stampedes in various parts of the country on poverty and criminal negligence.
Naija News reports that in the last three days, at least 65 persons have lost their lives in stampedes that occurred during food distribution events in Anambra, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
While over 35 persons, mostly children, died on Wednesday during a stampede that occurred at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, 10 people died on Saturday during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama area of Abuja.
Also, at least 22 people reportedly died in the Ojika community of Anambra during a stampede that occurred at a rice and gift-sharing event.
Speaking on the unfortunate incidents via a statement on Sunday, Falana called for justice for the dead and injured victims.
He described the events as a national tragedy and called for systemic reforms to protect the dignity and lives of the citizens.
He said, “There is also a sociological dimension to this national shame of episodic loss lives in stampedes triggered by mass hunger in the land.
“This should not be ignored. It is the unpardonable lack of respect for the dignity of the poor on the part of the members of the middle and upper classes involved in charity.”
He argued that organisers of charitable events should apply decency and demonstrate humanity while distributing food or cash items to the vulnerable.
“Since the individuals whose criminal negligence led to the avoidable tragedies are members of the ruling class the federal government and state governments have not gone beyond sending condolence messages to the survivors and the family members of the casualties.
“Therefore, the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond has resolved to mobilise lawyers to institute civil suits to ensure that the survivors and family members of the casualties are adequately compensated,” he added.
