Stampede Deaths: Peter Obi Refuses Blame On Tinubu But …

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has expressed concern over serial stampedes for palliatives across the country that have led to several deaths but vowing not to blame the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government. He, however, has simultaneously raised serious questions about the issues of hunger in the land.

According to Peter Obi, the stampede deaths arose from people taking unusual risks in search of food. He made these comments after several deadly stampedes occurred in different parts of the country.

In one tragic incident, at least 20 people in Okija, Anambra State, lost their lives during a rice distribution event. Another 10 people died in a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja, where palliatives were being given out.

Peter Obi took to social media to share his thoughts on these heartbreaking events. 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.”

He continued, “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 Peter Obi acknowledged the good intentions of those organizing the events, he emphasized that the tragedies from the stampedes point to deep-rooted problems within Nigeria’s system. “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.”

Obi further stated, “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.”

He questioned, “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.”

Peter Obi ended his message by expressing sympathy for the families affected by these tragedies from the stampedes. “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.”

Finally, he prayed for the departed souls, saying, “May God Almighty grant the departed souls eternal rest, and may the injured recover swiftly.”

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