The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the February 18 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, expressed deep concern on Monday over the prevailing disregard for human life in Nigeria.
Obi lamented on his X account about the frequent incidents of stampedes and desperate struggles for food, which he believes underscore the pervasive hunger and deprivation in the country. As a former governor of Anambra State, he remarked that the alarming reality of people perishing due to starvation well before their expected time is now a grim norm.
He highlighted the perilous lengths individuals go to in search of scarce food, turning what should be a basic necessity into a life-threatening pursuit.
He wrote:
“It is saddening how cheap life has become in this country today. It is now a daily occurrence to read reports of our fellow Nigerians who lose their lives while struggling for basic food to eat.
“Just 3 days ago, I lamented the disheartening occurrence involving some of our children at Nasarawa State University who lost their lives in a stampede while hustling for government provided food.
“Yesterday, another four people have also reportedly lost their lives in a stampede during an almsgiving zakat exercise for the poor in Bauchi State. These regular occurrences of stampede and struggle for food only reflect the depth of hunger and starvation in the country.
“It also shows the level of desperation among our people. With food prices soaring higher every day and our nation continuing to wallow in unproductivity, our people now live their lives not knowing where the next meal will come from.”
Obi’s remarks were prompted by recent tragedies, including a stampede at Nasarawa State University resulting in the loss of two students’ lives during a scramble for government-provided food.
Also, four individuals reportedly lost their lives in another stampede during an almsgiving zakat exercise for the poor in Bauchi State. Through a post on his social media handle, Obi pointed out that these incidents epitomize the heightened desperation prevailing among the populace.
He emphasized the grim reality faced by many Nigerians, where skyrocketing food prices coupled with widespread economic stagnation leave individuals uncertain about their next meal.
