The Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the February 18 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, expressed sorrow on Monday over the diminishing value of life in Nigeria. He remarked that the frequent incidents of stampedes and competition for food underscore the extent of hunger and starvation prevalent in the country.
The former governor of Anambra State observed that Nigeria has reached a point where people are losing their lives due to hunger before their expected time, emphasizing that the pursuit and scramble for scarce food have become perilous endeavors in themselves.
Obi’s remarks followed a stampede at Nasarawa State University, resulting in the deaths of two students in the quest for government-provided food. Additionally, four individuals reportedly lost their lives during a stampede at an almsgiving zakat event for the poor in Bauchi State.
In a statement shared on his X handle, Obi highlighted the desperation among the populace. He noted that with the continuous rise in food prices and the country’s persistent lack of productivity, people now live uncertain about their next meal.
He said, “It’s distressing to witness how life has become so undervalued in our nation today. It’s a daily occurrence to hear reports of fellow Nigerians losing their lives while vying for basic sustenance. Just three days ago, I mourned the tragic incident involving students at Nasarawa State University who perished in a stampede while seeking government-provided food. Yesterday, another four individuals reportedly lost their lives in a stampede during an almsgiving zakat event for the poor in Bauchi State. These frequent incidents of stampedes and food struggles only underscore the depth of hunger and deprivation in our country. They also reveal the desperation among our people. With food prices escalating daily and our nation mired in unproductivity, many of our citizens live in uncertainty about where their next meal will come from.”