Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has expressed deep sorrow over recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which have resulted in tragic loss of lives as Nigerians desperately search for food.
Reacting to the incidents, Obi pointed to the harsh economic conditions driving people to extreme measures for survival.
In Anambra State, at least 20 residents of the Okija community lost their lives in a stampede during the distribution of rice on Saturday. Similarly, in Abuja’s Maitama area, a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church claimed several lives, with many others injured.
These incidents followed another tragedy earlier in the week in Ibadan, Oyo State, where about 35 people, including children, reportedly died during a Christmas funfair.
In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Obi described the stampedes as a reflection of systemic failures in Nigeria.
“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food,” Obi wrote. “While I will not cast blame, I appreciate the organizers of these events for their kind gestures in providing palliatives. However, these tragedies highlight the challenges plaguing our society.”
Obi questioned how a resource-rich country like Nigeria continues to face widespread hunger.
“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 lamented.
The former presidential candidate called for urgent solutions to address the root causes of hunger and poverty.
Obi extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the injured to recover quickly.
“My heart goes out to the affected families and the good people of Oyo, Anambra, and the FCT. May God grant them strength to bear these painful losses. May the departed souls find eternal rest, and may the injured recover swiftly,” Obi concluded.
These tragedies have sparked renewed calls for systemic reforms to address the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians. The nation watches with hope for solutions that will prevent further loss of lives in the quest for basic survival.
