UN Official Warns of Rising Crime Amidst Poverty in Nigeria
In a stark warning, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, a member of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, has highlighted the dire consequences of severe hunger and extreme poverty plaguing many impoverished Nigerians. Ezeilo, who also serves as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Law Professor at the University of Nigeria, expressed her concerns following the recent looting of a warehouse in Abuja, reportedly belonging to the National Emergency Management Agency.
The looting, which occurred amidst escalating economic hardships, has underscored the desperation faced by a significant segment of the population. Ezeilo emphasized that while economic challenges may drive individuals to resort to criminal activities, stealing remains a punishable offense under the law. She recounted a poignant case from 1994, where she defended a 17-year-old orphan girl sentenced to prison for stealing cassava out of sheer hunger.
Despite acknowledging the complex socio-economic factors contributing to such actions, Ezeilo urged Nigerians to refrain from engaging in criminal behavior. Instead, she called upon the government to collaborate with non-profit organizations and the private sector to establish initiatives such as food banks, food stamps, and other social security programs to provide essential support to the most vulnerable members of society.
As the nation grapples with widespread poverty and food insecurity, Ezeilo emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the welfare of children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly. She urged concerted efforts to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the risk of further social unrest.
Ezeilo's remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria's most vulnerable populations and the imperative for holistic interventions to alleviate their suffering and prevent the escalation of crime in the country.
