By: Bayero Ade
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja that have claimed dozens of lives.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, December 21, Obi described the incidents as heartbreaking and lamented the loss of lives driven by the desperation for food in difficult economic times.
“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food,” Obi said. “A few days ago, about 35 people, mostly children, died 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 have just learned that about 19 more lives were lost in another stampede in Okija, Anambra State, as people struggled to receive food items.”
Obi pointed out the need to address systemic failures that have driven many Nigerians to extreme measures in their struggle for survival. “While I do not cast blame, it is evident that the harsh economic realities have forced our people into such desperate situations. How can we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger? How is it possible that we cannot feed our citizens despite our vast and fertile lands? My heart bleeds,” he said.
The former governor of Anambra State offered his condolences to the families of the victims and the affected communities in Oyo, Anambra, and the FCT. “One can only imagine the pain their families are going through at this moment. My heart goes out to them. I sincerely commiserate with all the affected families and the good people of these states over these devastating losses.”
Obi concluded with prayers for the deceased and comfort for their grieving families. “May God grant the deceased eternal rest, strengthen their loved ones, and give them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses,” he said.
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