Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, attributed the recent stampedes leading to the tragic loss of lives across Nigeria to poverty and criminal negligence.
In a statement released on Sunday, Falana described the incidents as a national tragedy and called for systemic reforms to uphold the dignity and safety of citizens during relief efforts.
“There is a sociological dimension to this national shame of episodic loss of lives in stampedes triggered by mass hunger in the land,” Falana stated.
“This should not be ignored.
It reflects an unpardonable lack of respect for the dignity of the poor by members of the middle and upper classes involved in charity,” he continued.
He criticized the manner in which food and cash distributions are often conducted, urging organizers to adopt humane and respectful approaches.
“No member of the elite invites others to lunch by throwing food.
The class prejudice inherent in the humanitarian culture in Nigeria is worthy of reflection,” he added.
Falana further condemned the inaction of the government, asserting that criminal negligence by the ruling class has gone unchecked.
“Since the individuals whose criminal negligence led to these avoidable tragedies are members of the ruling class, the federal and state governments have limited their response to condolence messages,” he remarked.
To address this, Falana announced that the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) plans to mobilize lawyers to file civil suits on behalf of survivors and the families of victims to secure adequate compensation.
The call for justice comes after a series of stampedes claimed at least 65 lives within three days.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, over 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives on Wednesday during a carnival stampede.
On Saturday, 10 people died in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, where relief items were being distributed.
That same day, at least 20 people were reported dead in the Ojika community of Anambra State during a rice and gift-sharing event.
Falana called for urgent systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure that relief efforts prioritize the safety and dignity of the beneficiaries.
