Daniel Akinte
A distressing scene unfolded on Monday as a viral video captured the moment a truck became engulfed in flames along the Benue Highway, while individuals were seen hurriedly removing bags of cement from its cargo.
Eyewitnesses recounted the sudden ignition of the vehicle, prompting its driver to abandon it amidst the inferno.
Reacting to the incident, Nigerians took to social media platforms to express their concerns, with many attributing the event to the prevailing hunger crisis in the country.
Mr. Stan, a Facebook user, lamented, “This is what hunger will cause,” echoing the sentiments of others like Kulesev Dominic Terseer, who emphasized the need for job opportunities to mitigate such occurrences.
Tony Okeke highlighted the role of economic inflation in exacerbating societal issues, stating, “Inflation is high and it promotes crime and other activities that go against humanity.” Okpe Jazzi echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of addressing hunger and minimizing the cost of living to prevent such incidents.
However, not all perspectives centered on blame or societal issues. Okwute Makojo Perock adopted a more empathetic stance, acknowledging the pervasive hunger across the nation. Meanwhile, Luka Joseph Sambo invoked a prayer for divine intervention amidst the challenges faced by the country.
Oladapo Oyeyode succinctly captured the desperation induced by hunger, remarking, “Hungry people can do anything to survive ”. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the multifaceted impact of socio economic hardships on individuals and communities.