Hunger, systemic failures responsible for Oyo, Anambra, Abuja stampedes — Obi

Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, has blamed hunger and systemic inefficiencies as the key causes of the recent stampedes that claimed lives in different parts of the country.

This paper reported that a stampede at a children’s Christmas party on December 18, 2024, resulted in the death of at least 35 children with many others critically injured in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Also on Saturday, December 21, 2024, another stampede occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, during the distribution of food items to the vulnerable and elderly individuals.

The incident led to the death of 10 individuals, leaving many others injured.

A similar incident was also recorded in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State on Saturday, at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several people.

Obi in a statement described the events as a reflection of the growing desperation fueled by rising hunger across the nation.

“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food.

“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,” he stated.

The former Governor of Anambra State lamented that the harsh economic climate has driven people to risk their lives in search of sustenance.

Speaking further in the statement, Obi questioned how a country so rich in natural resources could fail to provide food for its citizens.

“How is it possible that we cannot feed our citizens despite the vast, fertile lands our nation is endowed with? My heart bleeds,” he said.

He extended his condolences to the families of those affected, stating, “One can only imagine the pain their families are enduring at this moment. My heart goes out to them.”

He also wished the injured a swift recovery.

“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,” he added

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