Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and a prominent political figure, has expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic stampedes that have claimed many lives across Nigeria in recent days.
The incidents occurred in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, where people scrambled for food during palliative distribution events. The statement was issued by Obi on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.
“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food,” Obi said in his statement. The stampedes occurred in the midst of severe economic hardship, with citizens rushing to food distribution points in hopes of receiving aid. These incidents, he stated, are a painful reflection of the nation’s systemic failures.
Obi emphasized that while he would not cast blame on the organizers of the events, these tragedies underscore the desperation that many Nigerians are facing due to poverty. He praised the organizers for their efforts to support the poor, but pointed out that such events should not be necessary in a country with abundant resources.
“These tragedies reflect the systemic failures that plague our society,” Obi added. He questioned how a resource-rich nation like Nigeria could allow such loss of life in the search for basic needs. “How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers?”
The former presidential candidate extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims, particularly those in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He also expressed his hope for the swift recovery of the injured. “May God grant the departed souls eternal rest, and may the injured recover swiftly,” Obi prayed.
Obi’s words resonate with many Nigerians, as the country grapples with economic difficulties that continue to push people to extremes in their search for survival. His statement serves as a reminder of the urgent need for reforms to address hunger and inequality. The devastating stampedes highlight the ongoing crisis and the dire consequences of widespread poverty in the nation.
