EDITORIAL: Hunger crisis and the disturbing new normal of ‘Grab it, Snatch it, Run With it’

By Tony Okafor

Nigeria, a nation blessed with abundant resources, is grappling with a crisis of unprecedented proportions.

Hunger and hardship have become the unwelcome companions of millions, forcing citizens to resort to desperate measures to survive.

The most vulnerable – children and women – are now driven to lay ambushes, snatching food from unsuspecting individuals, even those eating snacks on moving vehicles at gridlocks.

This “Grab it, Snatch it, Run with it” syndrome is a signpost to the failure of governance at all levels.

The three tiers of government must acknowledge the gravity of this situation and declare a state of emergency on food security.

The time for rhetoric is over; decisive action is imperative.The consequences of inaction will be catastrophic.

As hunger intensifies, social cohesion will fray, and the rule of law will give way to chaos.

The “Grab it, Snatch it, Run with it” mentality will become the norm, eroding the very fabric of our society. Crime rates will soar, and social unrest will become commonplace.

We demand that the government implement policies to increase food production and availability, including support for farmers and investment in agricultural infrastructure; provide support for vulnerable populations, including food assistance programmes, subsidies, and social safety nets.

Government should also address the root causes of poverty and inequality, including unemployment, high cost of fuel, dollarization of our economy.

Government should also regulate food prices to prevent exploitation and ensure affordability, especially for staple foods.

Strategically, government can import food to supplement local production and stabilize prices

There is also the need to implement initiatives to reduce food waste throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption.

Collaboration with humanitarian organizations to provide food assistance to affected populations is key at a time like this.

The “Grab it, Snatch it, Run with it” syndrome is a wake-up call.

Let us act before it’s too late, lest we become a nation where survival is solely dependent on desperation and chance.

We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to act with urgency and purpose.