Expired food: You’re dancing on the graves of our loved ones; Yola flood victims tell govt
Flood victims in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State have condemned the state government over its response on the alleged distribution of expired food items describing official denials as insensitive and akin to “dancing on the graves” of those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
The devastating flood of July 26, 2025 ravaged seven communities, killing 29 people, leaving 11 missing and destroying homes, farms, and livelihoods of thousands. According to official data, the disaster left a trail of grief and massive displacement.
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In response, the Adamawa State government, on Sunday, August 9, 2025, distributed relief packages to no fewer than 4,000 households. The items include; 25kg of rice, 25kg of maize, cartons of spaghetti, sugar, seasoning, clothing, mats, and cooking oil.
Allegations of Expired Food
However, beneficiaries soon raised alarm that about 70% of the food items were expired. In a viral video, one recipient opened a sachet of spaghetti that had disintegrated into powder and was infested with maggots, warning others not to eat the supplies to avoid severe health risks.
Yakubu Musa, a resident of Modire, one of the hardest-hit communities, condemned the government action as irresponsible and obverse to the the spirit of empathy which it ought to show at this particular time.
“Almost all the food items, maize, rice, spaghetti, sugar, have expired, some long beyond consumption. Only the fabrics, cooking oil, mats, and salt are still good. We are ready to return the bad items to the government for proof.”
Government Dismisses Claims
But in a phone interview, the head of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Celine La’ori, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
“As far as we are concerned, the items we share don’t have any problems. I don’t know where these claims are coming fromit’s possible they are from opposition quarters,” she said.
Victims Reject Denial
The victims, however, described her comments as disingenuous and irresponsible, saying they painted the government’s action as deliberate.
“A responsible government should not live in denial. They should recall the bad food immediately and investigate those responsible. Some hunger-stricken families may eat it to survive, risking serious illness. Treating this matter lightly is dangerous,” Musa said.
Another victim, Mua’zu Idris, from Shagari-end-of-the-road and Sabon Pegi area, likened the government’s actions to “dancing on the graves” of the dead.
“We hoped for relief, but what we got was expired food. Even the fabrics have expired. This is gross injustice. I told my wife not to cook any of it, some neighbors who did are now purging,” Idris who lost a five-year-old daughter to the flood said.
Activist Demands Investigation
Human rights activist and disaster response expert, Comrade Sulaiman Abubakar condemned the development as a show of shame.
“Distributing expired relief items is unacceptable. It poses severe health risks, especially for vulnerable groups, children, the elderly, and the sick. It’s a breach of trust and duty of care. This negligence may even violate food safety laws,” he warned.
Abubakar urged the government to launch an immediate investigation, hold responsible officials accountable, and ensure all future relief distributions meet safety standards.
“Flood victims are already struggling to rebuild their lives. Giving them expired food is adding insult to injury,” he added.
