Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent stampedes in Oyo, Abuja, and Anambra, which resulted in the loss of lives during the distribution of food palliatives.
Reports revealed that approximately 40 children perished in a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Wednesday.
Similarly, in Abuja’s Maitama area, 10 people lost their lives while scrambling for rice and other food supplies at a distribution event on Saturday.
In Okija, Anambra, at least 17 people were killed in another stampede during a food distribution.
In a series of tweets, Obi lamented that these tragic incidents highlighted the systemic failures in Nigeria.
He expressed shock that in a nation blessed with abundant resources and fertile lands, people are still dying from hunger.
Obi stated, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in these desperate searches for food. Just days ago, about 35 people, including many children, perished in a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan. Today, we learned of at least 10 more deaths in Abuja due to a stampede while seeking palliatives. Now, 19 more lives have been lost in Okija, Anambra, during a similar incident.”
While offering his sympathy, Obi emphasized that these events were a reflection of the failures within Nigeria’s systems.
He acknowledged the efforts of those who organized these palliative distributions but pointed out that the harsh economic conditions have forced people to extreme measures in their quest for survival.
He questioned how such tragedies could happen in a nation with so much potential, saying, “How is it possible that in a country rich in resources, our people are still dying from hunger? This should not be happening.”
Obi extended his condolences to the families of the victims, saying, “I can only imagine the grief their families are going through. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and the people of Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja. I pray that God grants them strength in these painful times.”
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and quick recovery of the injured.
