The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has urged the federal government to adopt economic policies that promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on food aid in the wake of recent food distribution tragedies that claimed 45 lives in Abuja, Ibadan, and Anambra States.
In a statement signed by the league’s spokesman, Dr. Ladan Salihu, the LND expressed condolences to the affected families and communities while lamenting the preventable nature of the stampedes.
“The LND extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by the tragic incidents during food distribution exercises in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra. The loss of 45 lives has left us deeply saddened and reflects a critical need for reform,” Dr. Salihu stated.
While praising the efforts of individuals and organizations providing relief to vulnerable populations, the LND stressed the importance of adopting safer, more effective methods for distributing aid.
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“As Nigeria battles alarming levels of poverty and hunger, the generosity of those providing assistance is commendable. However, these tragedies underline the urgent need for better systems to ensure safety and dignity during relief efforts,” Dr. Salihu noted.
The league proposed measures such as crowd management strategies, pre-registration of beneficiaries, establishing multiple distribution centers, and collaborating with law enforcement to prevent future occurrences.
More importantly, the LND called on the federal government to address the root causes of poverty and hunger through sustainable economic policies.
“We urge the government to prioritize policies that promote self-sufficiency, enabling citizens to rely less on handouts. Tackling the root causes of poverty is essential to reducing the need for such relief efforts and preventing similar tragedies,” Dr. Salihu concluded.
