Mathew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, says the stampedes at palliative distribution centres reflect “desperation” among Nigerians.
Last week, more than 67 persons died during palliative distribution in Oyo, Anambra and FCT.
In his Christmas message on Wednesday, Kukah said the incidents could have been avoided if the government had addressed the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
“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,” Kukah said.
“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.
“Government needs to work more closely with institutions that help to promote the common good of our society.”
