Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ike, has called on the federal government and political leaders to take urgent and tangible steps to alleviate the worsening hardship in Nigeria.
This is as he expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives in recent hunger stampedes across the country.
Newspot reports that stampedes occurred in Abuja, Anambra and Ibadan during distribution of food items, where several lives were lost.
The cleric, in his Christmas message titled “Jesus Christ is the Reason for the Season,” highlighted the suffering of Nigerians, describing the situation as unprecedented.
Bishop Ike mourned the deaths in hunger stampedes that occurred in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja, where citizens died while scrambling for food distributed by charitable individuals and organizations.
“This tragedy underscores the level of hunger and hardship in our nation.
“The beautifully presented budget, policies, and government consolatory messages mean nothing if hunger and hardship are not immediately tackled,” Bishop Ike stated.
He stressed the significance of implementing practical, life-saving measures to reduce poverty and alleviate the suffering of the masses.
The Bishop called on individuals to reflect on the true message of Christmas by sharing with the less privileged and extending love and sacrifice to neighbors and fellow citizens.
