The harsh economic situation in Nigeria has driven many citizens to take desperate measures for survival, leading to heartbreaking incidents. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has raised concerns about these growing tragedies.
On Saturday, Obi reacted to reports of stampedes in Oyo, Anambra States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In Okija, Anambra State, at least 20 people reportedly lost their lives during a rice distribution event. Similarly, in Abuja’s Holy Trinity Catholic Church, several others died in a stampede while seeking aid.
Obi highlighted that these incidents reflect the desperate search for food among Nigerians, a sign of the worsening economic hardship in the country. He emphasized the urgent need for solutions to alleviate hunger and poverty, urging the government and stakeholders to take action.
Reacting, Obi posted on X: “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 I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organizers 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.
“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.
“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. -PO”
