He urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to prioritise the people's welfare and ensure better planning.
Nigerian cleric, Prophet Samuel Adebayo Ojo, has stated that the recent wave of tragic stampedes during the distribution of palliatives across Nigeria is a reflection of the nation's dire socio-economic challenges.
Ojo added that the country was bleeding and needed an urgent intervention.
He urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to prioritise the people's welfare and ensure better planning.
Speaking during a sermon on Sunday, marking the end of the church convention, Prophet Ojo expressed deep concern over the loss of lives in several states due to overcrowding and poor management during palliative distribution.
The incidents, he noted, underscored the urgent need for both spiritual and practical solutions to address the suffering of millions of Nigerians.
The cleric did not shy away from acknowledging the gravity of the situation, saying: “Nigeria is bleeding. These stampedes are not just accidents; they are signs of a deeper crisis — a nation grappling with poverty, inequality, and mismanagement. The cries of the people have reached God’s ears.”
He pointed to the rising levels of hardship, unemployment, and inflation as factors driving the desperation that often leads to chaotic scenes at palliative centres.
Despite the bleak circumstances, Prophet Ojo assured his congregation and Nigerians at large that divine intervention was already underway.
He urged the people to hold on to faith and remain prayerful.
The cleric also called on government officials, religious leaders, and civil society to take immediate steps to prevent further tragedies.
He emphasised the need for better planning, transparency, and compassion in addressing the needs of vulnerable Nigerians.
“We need leaders who will prioritise the welfare of the people, ensuring that relief reaches those who truly need it without risking lives. As a nation, we must take responsibility for protecting our own,” he urged.
Over the week, reports of stampedes during palliative distributions have surfaced in Oyo, Anambra states and the FCT.
The incidents have claimed multiple lives and injured dozens, highlighting the challenges of managing aid during economic crises occasioned by greed of Nigeria's commonwealth.
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