AGS NEWS – In recent days, a grim trend has emerged across Nigeria as citizens lost their lives while attempting to access government-provided palliatives amidst growing hunger in the nation.

The most recent incident unfolded at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, where two students tragically lost their lives, and 23 others were hospitalized during a palliative distribution exercise.

Governor Abdullahi Sule had ordered the distribution of two 7.5 kg bags of rice and ₦5,000 to each student of the state university in Keffi.

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However, chaos ensued during the distribution, leading to a stampede that resulted in the death and injury of students.

The tragic incident sparked debate about government negligence, with Governor Sule refuting claims of government oversight, stating that the stampede was not due to planning but rather student anxiety.

This unfortunate event adds to a series of similar incidents across Nigeria, including a stampede at the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters in Lagos, where seven individuals died while attempting to purchase seized rice at a reduced price.

In Bauchi State, at least four women lost their lives in another stampede during the distribution of zakat (almsgiving) to residents.

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Critics attribute these fatalities to systemic failures, inadequate crowd management, and corruption in the distribution process.

Calls for accountability and improved governance have intensified, with activists demanding justice for the victims and systematic reforms to prevent future tragedies.