Obi blames hunger, systemic failures for Oyo, FCT, Anambra stampedes

The tragic events, which occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State; Okija, Anambra State; and the Federal Capital Territory, claimed multiple lives and left many injured within just five days.

The last two incidents took place on Saturday morning during food distribution campaigns.

Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election and former governor of Anambra State, highlighted the growing hunger and desperation in the country as factors behind the tragedies.

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

While expressing gratitude to the organizers of the food distribution campaigns for their goodwill, he emphasized that the incidents expose the systemic failures in the nation.

“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,” he said.

Obi referred to reports of at least 10 fatalities in Abuja during a scramble for palliatives, with many others injured.

He questioned why a country endowed with abundant resources and fertile land is unable to feed 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 lamented.

The former governor expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging the pain they must be enduring.

“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,” he added, wishing the injured a swift recovery.

Meanwhile, police authorities have commenced investigations into the incidents.