Stampedes: PDP Accuses APC Of Negligence, Says It’s A Party Of Vampires
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of approximately 39 lives in stampedes during palliative distribution events in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the heartbreaking deaths of 35 children at a funfair in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba condemned the incidents, attributing them to the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government’s “anti-people policies” which he claimed have pushed citizens into desperation, leading to avoidable deaths.
On December 18, 2024, a funfair at the Islamic High School in Ibadan, Oyo State, turned into a disaster as 35 children lost their lives and several others sustained severe injuries.
In a separate incident, at least 39 people were killed during food distribution events in Okija, Anambra State, and Maitama, Abuja, as people scrambled for basic supplies.
Ologunagba called the tragedies devastating, highlighting that despite Nigeria’s abundant resources, citizens are left to fight for food in perilous conditions.
“The food stampedes are a tragic reminder of the extreme poverty, hunger, and hopelessness that Nigerians are currently facing under the APC government,” he said.
He continued, accusing the APC of exacerbating Nigeria’s economic crisis, which has pushed many to the brink of desperation.
“The government has wrecked the economy and deepened poverty, pushing Nigerians into acts of desperation, such as suicide and dangerous migration in search of survival,” Ologunagba added.
The PDP criticized the APC for its failure to invest in agriculture and food production, which they argued could alleviate the hunger crisis. Ologunagba also slammed the government for dismissing advice from the PDP and other stakeholders regarding the harmful impacts of policies such as sudden petroleum price hikes and the naira floatation.
The party further accused APC leaders of corruption, mismanaging public funds, and engaging in schemes such as budget padding and contract inflation.
Ologunagba urged the government to take responsibility for the tragedies, calling for compensation for the victims’ families and an urgent review of economic and tax policies to reduce suffering.
“The PDP insists that a responsible government would have introduced meaningful interventions to ease suffering and improve the welfare of the people,” the statement read.
The party also extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged a thorough investigation into the incidents to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
