Systemic failure in Nigeria is the cause of deaths in stampede and scramble for free food in Abuja, Oyo & Anambra—-Peter Obi

A spate of tragic incidents has shaken Nigeria, as scores of people, including children, have lost their lives in desperate searches for food. The latest incidents bring to the fore the harsh realities of economic hardship and the systemic failures that plague the country.

In the past few days, Nigeria has witnessed three devastating stampedes, resulting in the loss of over 60 lives. The incidents occurred in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija, Anambra State, as people struggled to receive food items and palliatives.

The tragedies have sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many calling for urgent action to address the country’s economic challenges. The incidents have also highlighted the need for effective distribution of palliatives and support to vulnerable populations.

Reacting to the tragic incidents in a statement on Saturday, the former Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed deep sadness and distress over the incidents, commiserating with the affected families and the people of Oyo, Anambra, and the FCT.

He said: “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

He emphasized the need for collective action to address the systemic failures that led to these tragedies.