Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent stampedes in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo State that claimed numerous lives.
The incidents, which occurred during food and palliative distributions, underscore Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges and systemic failures, according to Obi.
Speaking through a statement on X.com, Obi conveyed his distress over the loss of lives, particularly as citizens struggled for basic necessities. He pointed out that the stampedes reflect the dire state of the nation’s economy.
Obi wrote, “I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food. A few days ago, about 35 people, mostly children, lost their lives in a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“This morning, reports emerged of at least 10 people losing their lives in Abuja while scrambling for palliatives, with many others injured.
“Now, I just heard that about 19 more lives were lost in another stampede in Okija, Anambra State, as people struggled to receive food items.”
While appreciating the organisers of the events for their kind gestures in providing support to the needy, Obi stated that the incidents were reflective of systemic failures within the country.
“While I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organisers of these respective events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives and support to society, especially the poor, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society.
“The desperate quest for survival in these harsh economic times has driven our people to extremes in their search for food, often at the cost of their lives,” he added.
Obi questioned the paradox of widespread hunger in a nation so abundantly blessed with resources.
He wrote, “How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers? How is it possible that we cannot feed our citizens despite the vast, fertile lands our nation is endowed with? My heart bleeds.”
He also empathised with the states involved and the affected families, saying, “One can only imagine the pain their families are enduring at this moment. My heart goes out to them.
“I sincerely commiserate with all the affected families and the good people of Oyo, Anambra, and the FCT over these tragic incidents. May God grant them, and all of us, the strength to bear these painful losses.”
“May God Almighty grant the departed souls eternal rest, and may the injured recover swiftly.”
