A youth leader, Malam Hassan Ahmed Rufa’i said that leaves such as “tafasa”, spinach, etc, had came to the rescue of these near-starving families, while lizards and cats might become endangered specie because some children were already seen hunting them to provide a cheap source of protein for their families.
Lamenting the increasing excruciating economic hardship, Rufa’i lashed at top political office holders, as well as the rich and affluent people in communities around Kawo, Unguwan Dosa, Hayin Banki and Unguwan Kanawa, saying they had the capability to assist the poor in their midst but were not living up the masses’ expectations.
“Some of them have gone on Hajj for the umpteenth time, while the money they spend making such regular hajj visits could have been used to buy food and feed several mouths. Hajj is incumbent upon a Muslim, once in a life time, if the person can afford it,” he emphasised.
He added that, “rice and maize as well as other staple food items have turned into precious commodities which only the rich and privileged could afford. Many of our people now feed on leaves, some cannot even cook the normal pate, they are seriously feeling the pang of an excruciating poverty. We pray the government should come to peoples rescue by establishing free feeding centers.
“The other time, I saw some children chasing a big agama lizard. When I asked them what they were doing, they said they want to kill it because its roasted meat was sweet. They added that even cats are longer spared because it is also a delicacy,” he said.
The youth leader challenged people in authority to explain how the food items donated to the state by Hajiya Aisha Buhari, were disbursed, alleging that there was little of no adequately publicity, if any, on how the items were distributed.
“People here are suffering; hunger is everywhere. If you go to the Masjid, you see people begging for money to buy food. Go to the hospitals, you see malnourished children everywhere needing medicare and the Doctors will say it’s either malaria or typhoid that is their ailment.
“Government should please come to our aid. It is capable of taking the people out of this predicament,” he insisted.