The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to urgently address the deepening economic crisis and severe hunger affecting Nigerians. In a statement signed by NANS Senate Clerk Abdul-Yekinni Odunayo, the student body warned that without swift action, the nation could witness more fatal stampedes as citizens scramble for free food.
Odunayo described the recent deadly stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra—where many lives, including those of children, were lost—as a “national disgrace.” He blamed these tragedies on the government’s failure to resolve economic challenges, poverty, and hunger.
“Nigerians are hardworking people, but hunger has driven many to desperate measures. These lives could have been saved if proactive steps had been taken to address the root causes of poverty and hunger,” Odunayo said.
He criticized the government’s response as “nonchalant and insensitive,” asserting that no amount of condolences or monetary compensation could undo the loss of innocent lives.
“The suffering in the land is unbearable. Hunger and poverty are the underlying causes of these stampedes. Nigerians have never experienced this level of hardship. The government must stop making excuses and implement effective solutions beyond temporary palliatives,” he added.
NANS urged the Federal and state governments to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities by taking immediate steps to stimulate the economy and alleviate widespread poverty. The statement warned that further neglect of these issues could result in more hunger-induced tragedies.
Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, NANS implored the government to act decisively to ensure Nigerians no longer “die like chickens” due to preventable economic hardships.
