Hunger is a basic human need that cannot be ignored or easily controlled. It is a primal instinct that drives individuals to seek out food to survive. In a world where food insecurity is a pressing issue for many people, the idea of restricting or imposing curfews on someone who is starving seems both cruel and ineffective. How can a man who is deadly hungry be confined and restricted?
By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman
In the face of such intense hunger, attempting to impose curfews, confinement, or strict restrictions on an individual is futile. The urgency of the body’s need for sustenance overrides any external control or limitations that may be placed upon it. A man who is deadly hungry will not be deterred by threats or restrictions; his primary goal will be to alleviate his hunger at any cost.
The concept of hunger being unperturbed by threats is evident in many real-life scenarios. In times of crisis or natural disasters, where access to food may be limited, people will go to great lengths to procure the nourishment they need to survive. In such situations, curfews and restrictions become meaningless as hunger drives individuals to break rules and seek out food by any means necessary.
The ongoing nationwide mass hunger protests in Nigeria have brought to light the dire situation facing the vast majority of the population. The response of the authorities, imposing sanctions and attempting to violently suppress the angry youths, has only served to exacerbate the anger and frustration of the hungry majority. The killings of protesters by police have further inflamed the situation, making the hungry population even more angry and desperate for food.
The recent increase in everyday commodities due to policy changes, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, has ignited a wave of mass action in Nigeria. This has led to hunger for millions and has pushed more people out of the country’s diminishing middle class, prompting youth groups to rise up in protest.
The consequences of these policy changes have been dire, with reports of at least seven people losing their lives in clashes between security forces and citizens during the nationwide protests against “bad governance” and the rising cost of living. The violence has spread across various cities, including Minna, Kano, Abuja, Kaduna, Katsina, Lagos, and Yenagoa, as demonstrators demand an end to the current state of affairs.
The response from the authorities has been heavy-handed, with reports of police firing tear gas at protesters and deploying armored trucks in multiple locations. These actions have only served to escalate tensions and further fuel the anger of the people who have been pushed to the brink by the economic challenges facing the country.
It is clear that the removal of the fuel subsidy was the catalyst for this mass mobilization, but underlying it is a deeper frustration with the state of governance in Nigeria. The protests are a reflection of the growing discontent among the population and a sign that people are no longer willing to accept the status quo.
In a country like Nigeria, where food insecurity is a pressing issue, the idea of restricting or curfewing someone who is starving seems both cruel and ineffective. Hunger is a basic necessity for survival, and when deprived of food, a person’s physical and mental well-being can deteriorate rapidly. In times of extreme hunger, a person’s focus becomes solely centered on finding food to satisfy their intense cravings, and they may resort to desperate measures to alleviate their suffering.
When a person is starving, their body goes into survival mode, prioritizing the need for sustenance above all else. This instinct is so powerful that it can override rational thought and lead individuals to extreme measures to obtain food. In times of desperation, people may resort to stealing, scavenging, or even violence to satisfy their hunger.
The response of the authorities to the hunger protests in Nigeria has therefore only served to highlight the disconnect between those in power and the everyday struggles of the people. By imposing sanctions and attempting to violently suppress the protests, the authorities have failed to address the underlying issues of poverty, lack of access to nutritious food, and systemic inequalities that have led to widespread hunger in the country. Instead of punishing those who are hungry, efforts should be made to address the root causes of food insecurity and provide individuals with the means to satisfy their basic needs.
Attempting to impose curfews, confinement, or strict restrictions on individuals who are hungry is futile. The urgency of the body’s need for sustenance overrides any external control or limitations that may be placed upon it. A man who is deadly hungry will not be deterred by threats or restrictions; his primary goal will be to alleviate his hunger at any cost. The violent response of the authorities to the hunger protests only serves to further isolate and marginalize the hungry population, creating a cycle of anger and desperation that will only continue to escalate.
In times of desperation, people may resort to extreme measures to obtain food. When access to food is limited, individuals will go to great lengths to procure the nourishment they need to survive. Hunger is a powerful force that can lead to desperation and despair, and confining someone in such a state only serves to compound their suffering.
Rather than imposing restrictions, efforts should be made to address the root cause of hunger and provide individuals with the means to satisfy their basic needs. Ultimately, hunger is a force of nature that cannot be easily controlled or regulated. It is a primal instinct that drives individuals to seek out sustenance to nourish their bodies and fuel their activities. The response of the authorities to the hunger protests in Nigeria has only served to highlight the urgent need for systemic change and support for those who are struggling to access food.
Rather than seeking to curfew, confine, or restrict a man who is deadly hungry, efforts should be made to address the underlying issues that have led to his hunger and provide him with the support and resources he needs to alleviate his suffering. Hunger cannot be threatened; it must be acknowledged, understood, and addressed with compassion and empathy.
As the protests continue and the country grapples with the fallout from the policy changes, it is essential for the government to address the concerns of the people and work towards finding solutions that will alleviate the suffering of the population. The events of the past week serve as a stark reminder of the power of collective action and the urgent need for change in Nigeria.
