By Ayomide Otitoju
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has attributed the recent spate of deadly stampedes in Nigeria to rising hunger and systemic failures, urging for immediate action to address the root causes.
Tragic incidents in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State; and Abuja claimed multiple lives and left many injured within five days. The most recent occurrences, on Saturday morning, were during food distribution campaigns.
“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food,” Obi wrote on X. He described the events as reflective of deep-seated issues in Nigeria’s governance and economy.
“While I will not cast blame but instead appreciate the organizers of these respective events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives, these tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor lamented Nigeria’s inability to harness its abundant resources to alleviate hunger. “How is it possible that we cannot feed our citizens despite the vast, fertile lands our nation is endowed with? My heart bleeds,” he said.
Obi cited reports of at least 10 fatalities in Abuja and additional casualties in Ibadan and Okija. He emphasized the desperation driving many Nigerians to extremes for survival amid harsh economic conditions.
“One can only imagine the pain their families are enduring at this moment. My heart goes out to them,” he wrote, extending condolences to the affected families and communities. “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 the strength to bear these painful losses.”
Meanwhile, police authorities have launched investigations into the stampedes to determine their causes and identify any culpable negligence.
