Stampedes: Deal with rising hunger in Nigeria, NAS tells FG

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has called for immediate and decisive action to address Nigeria’s growing hunger crisis following the tragic stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja that claimed over 60 lives. The group described the incidents during palliative distributions as a grim reflection of the desperation and economic hardship gripping the nation.

In a statement signed by its Capn, Dr. Joseph Oteri, NAS expressed condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the chaotic scenes that led to the fatalities. The association attributed the tragedy to poor planning and systemic failures, warning that ignoring the root causes of hunger could lead to far-reaching social, economic, and political consequences. “Hunger should never be a death sentence in a nation blessed with abundant resources,” the statement read.

The group urged the government to ensure accountability for the avoidable tragedies and called for a more organized approach to distributing relief materials. NAS proposed transparent systems involving community leaders and credible NGOs to ensure palliatives reach the intended beneficiaries without endangering lives. It emphasized the need for long-term strategies to boost food production, stabilize prices, and support local farmers.

Beyond emergency measures, NAS stressed the importance of scaling up programs that address poverty, including access to healthcare, education, and social safety nets. It also advocated for policies that create jobs and income opportunities to reduce dependency on palliatives. Highlighting its own recent successes in Edo State, where over 2,000 less privileged individuals were fed in an orderly manner, the association urged all stakeholders to prioritize dignity and sustainability in addressing the hunger crisis.