Systemic inefficiency, major reason for stampedes in Oyo, Abuja, Anambra – Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has pointed to widespread hunger and systemic inefficiencies as the underlying causes of the recent stampedes that led to the tragic loss of lives in various parts of Nigeria.

The incidents, which occurred within a five-day span, claimed multiple lives and left several others injured. The stampedes were reported in Ibadan (Oyo State), Okija (Anambra State), and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The latter two incidents happened on Saturday morning during food distribution activities.

In a statement addressing the tragedies, Obi described the stampedes as a stark reflection of the growing desperation caused by the worsening hunger crisis in the country. He emphasized that such events underscore the need for urgent reforms to address systemic inefficiencies and provide immediate relief to Nigerians facing economic hardship.

The former Anambra State governor extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called on the government and relevant stakeholders to implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

“I am deeply saddened and distressed by the tragic loss of lives in desperate searches for food,” the former Anambra State governor wrote in a post on his X account on Saturday afternoon.

“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.

He further lamented that the harsh economic climate has driven people to risk their lives in search of sustenance.

“This morning, reports emerged of at least 10 people losing their lives in Abuja while scrambling for palliatives, with many others injured,” Obi noted, expressing grief over the incident.

The former governor 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 wrote.

Obi also referenced an earlier incident in Ibadan where about 35 individuals, most of them children, lost their lives during a Christmas Funfair.

The politician 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.