By: Bayero Ade
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has blamed the recent tragic stampedes in parts of Nigeria on what he describes as the “economic destruction” caused by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Sowore linked the deaths of over 100 Nigerians in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja to the worsening economic conditions under Tinubu’s leadership.
“Not less than 100 Nigerians have perished in less than a week in Ibadan (Oyo), Okija (Anambra), and Abuja (FCT) just in search of rice. This speaks precisely to the debilitating economic destruction wrought on Nigerians by the @officialABAT regime since his unfortunate ascension to power in May 2023,” Sowore wrote.
The tragedies began on Wednesday, when at least 35 children lost their lives at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, organized by the foundation of the Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife. Governor Seyi Makinde condemned the incident and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
On Saturday morning, another stampede in Okija, Anambra, during a rice distribution event organized by the Obi Jackson Foundation, left dozens feared dead. The event was meant to assist the less privileged during the 2024 Christmas season.
A similar tragedy unfolded in Abuja on Saturday, where at least 10 people, including four children, died in a stampede at a church-organized Christmas food distribution event.
Sowore criticized these incidents as a reflection of the dire economic conditions brought about by Tinubu’s policies since taking office.
“If anyone didn’t know how bad things are and how our people are really desperate for survival, this unprecedented but unwarranted death by hunger-suicide tells the real story. Nigeria is in trouble, and Nigerians are endangered!” Sowore concluded.
The activist lamented the dangers posed by the administration’s economic decisions and called attention to the urgent need to address the growing desperation among Nigerians.
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