Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the former First Lady of Ondo State, has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, comparing the country’s current situation to the war-torn state of Somalia due to widespread hunger and desperation.
In a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Anyanwu-Akeredolu lamented the dire circumstances faced by Nigerians, particularly in light of recent tragic stampedes during palliative distribution events.
She referred specifically to the deadly stampedes in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, which have drawn widespread attention. On Saturday, a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives, including children, with 10 others injured. On the same day, another stampede occurred at the Obijackson Foundation’s Christmas rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, where 22 people lost their lives.
Sharing news reports of these incidents, Anyanwu-Akeredolu expressed her frustration and sorrow, writing, “Hunger has turned Nigeria into Somalia. This is Ikegwuru (tiring) Situation!” Her post underscores the severe hardships Nigerians are enduring as economic challenges, including food insecurity, continue to escalate. The stampedes highlight the extreme desperation of many Nigerians seeking basic necessities, such as food, amidst widespread poverty and inflation.
