I was only trying to help

A recent incident that I fell victim of makes me reflect on what hunger is turning people into and the role I failed to play. It wouldn't have pained me if not for the fact that I was only trying to help with the little I have. I saw this incident from a greater perspective when I was sharing it with a friend yesterday.
Last week was mid term break so I decided to spend time with my love ones. I just collected my little savings so I paid some debt and also extended part of it to my mom, I kept #15,000 for transportation fare and also buying foodstuff to where I was going to spend my holiday.

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I went to market very early to buy the things I wanted to buy, I had to walk through the market due to high prices thinking of If go to the market women with shops deep inside the market their prices will be better but it was all the same even the Hausas that sell cheap market are no longer like that. So I had cut down what I needed and bought the little I could afford because my budget was #5000. I just need to buy ingredients that I will use to make soup, fruits and potatoes. I took a bus from the market to the park I was to board bus to the next destination.

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While I was struggling with my loads because I had other loads too, one of the porters came to me that he wants to carry one of the load and I told him I have little money on me and I turned down his offer. He pleaded with me that I should pity him and just let him carry the load so, I told him all I can afford is #100 and he agreed to carry it and I told him where I was going. He carried the bag I had all the goods I bought at the market and was walking at a faster pace than I. I was rushing towards him too until we got to a point where a bus stood between us and as I walked pass the bus to the other side, the guy was out of sight. I searched for him but couldn't find him, I continued thinking he probably might be waiting for me where I would get bus, I got to the place and still couldn't find him. I asked people around if they probably see anyone with load looking for someone, they all said 'No' and asked what exactly happened and I narrated to them. They said the guy has ran away with my load that I should not bother looking for him. I was so sad and I had to hold back my tears so that I wouldn't create a scene there. For almost two hours I was searching for this boy but all efforts went down the drain.

I encouraged myself and withdraw the remaining money in my account to get the things that was stole back. The #5000 I withdraw couldn't buy all I bought at the market So, I had to buy only necessary ones, left the other items and continued my journey. Although I wasn't happy because I had to spend the remaining money I had budgeted for something else.
What helped me overcome my sadness was the love I received at home and words of wisdom they shared with me. My mom turned the incident to a prayer point and instead of feeling bad I was always remembering her prayers and that really helped my mood.

I was narrating the incident to my friend and she said "what the economic situation will cost us will be more than we can bear, people that are working are not encouraged to work because high prices is taking more from them. There is increase in kidnapping and theft."
She felt so bad because a boy at such small age is now stealing. I let go of my hurt when I had a second thought about what the guy stole which is food stuffs. He knew what was inside the bag and had to steal to feed probably his family. I thought to myself if the boy had begged for money would I have given him? Although I'm not justifying his actions but I could imagine the hunger that poor are facing everyday.

Out of school children are increasing because they need to go hustle for what to eat. Parents are getting sick due to depression and life's are lost at an increasing rate.
To everyone facing hardship, I want to tell you not to give up, don't opt for illegal things or actions, keep holding on, I believe soon things will get better.
Thanks for reading my post.