By Erewunmi Peace

Chaos erupted in Suleja, Niger State, when residents stormed a food distribution point and looted relief items provided by a local lawmaker. The incident, which occurred on August 31, left scenes of disorder as men, women, and youths scrambled to seize as many foodstuffs as possible.

According to reports, the lawmaker had arranged the distribution to cushion the effect of the prevailing economic hardship, but the exercise quickly spiraled out of control. Witnesses said the crowd overwhelmed security personnel, breaking through barriers and taking the food items by force.

Videos circulating on social media showed residents trampling over one another and scaling fences in a desperate bid to escape with their loot. Punch and Linda Ikeji’s Blog confirmed that the situation became so tense that the police had to intervene to restore calm. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, but several people sustained minor injuries during the stampede.

The incident underscores the growing frustration among Nigerians over the rising cost of living and food scarcity, as similar scenes have been reported in other states in recent months.