Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, has expressed his deep sorrow and concern over the tragic loss of lives in recent stampede incidents across Nigeria. The tragedies occurred during desperate searches for food, highlighting the severe challenges faced by many in these tough economic times.
In a statement posted on his official X handle (@PeterObi), Obi shared his heartbreak over the loss of 35 lives, mostly children, in a stampede at a Christmas Funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State. He also addressed reports of at least 10 fatalities in Abuja this morning, where people were scrambling for palliatives. Additionally, Obi conveyed his grief upon learning that another 19 people lost their lives in Okija, Anambra State, in a similar incident related to food distribution.
While acknowledging the goodwill of the organizers of these events, Obi stressed that these tragedies underscore the systemic issues within the country. “I will not cast blame, but instead appreciate the organizers for their kind gestures in providing support, especially to the poor. However, these events reflect the failures that plague our society,” he said.
Obi questioned how such extreme hunger could persist in a nation endowed with vast, fertile lands. “How do we explain that in a nation blessed with abundant resources, our people are dying of hunger in such numbers?” he asked. “My heart bleeds for those who have lost their lives in the desperate quest for survival.”
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, stating, “One can only imagine the pain their families are enduring at this moment. My heart goes out to them.”
In his concluding remarks, Obi pointed out that these tragic events are a direct reflection of the widespread hardship faced by Nigerians. “If our people had access to sufficient food, they wouldn’t be forced to queue for it. The desperation we are seeing is rooted in the economic difficulties many face today. This underscores the need for urgent action to address hunger and poverty in our nation.”
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Obi offered prayers for the departed souls and the recovery of those injured, saying, May God Almighty grant the departed souls eternal rest, and may the injured recover swiftly.
