The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has opined that the harsh economic reality has pushed Nigerians to search for food at the cost of their lives.
Henzodaily reports that Obi made this known while reacting to the stampedes in Oyo, Anambra States, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Not less than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra State reportedly lost their lives in a stampede on Saturday during an event for the distribution of rice.
Similarly, 10 persons were confirmed dead following a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama area of Abuja, during palliative distribution.
In a statement via his X handle on Saturday, Peter Obi said Nigerians are desperately searching for survival due to the harsh economic situation.
According to the former Governor of Anambra State, the tragedies reflect the systemic failures plaguing Nigeria.
He wrote, “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.”