Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in a series of stampedes that occurred during food distribution events in different parts of Nigeria.

Obi, in a heartfelt statement via his X-handle, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the residents of Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where the incidents took place.

“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. 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,” Obi stated.

While acknowledging the efforts of the organizers to provide palliatives and relief to the poor, Obi described the incidents as tragic reflections of systemic failures plaguing the country.
“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,” Obi lamented.
He questioned how a country blessed with abundant resources and fertile land continues to face widespread hunger and food insecurity. “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,” he added.
Obi commiserated with the affected families and prayed for strength to help them bear the losses. He also prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and for the injured to recover swiftly.
The tragedies have sparked widespread concern about the deepening economic challenges in Nigeria, with many calling for urgent government intervention to address poverty and hunger. Observers are also demanding better crowd-control measures during food distributions to prevent further disasters.
As investigations into the incidents continue, Obi’s message has resonated with many Nigerians, amplifying calls for sustainable solutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

A festive Christmas celebration in Ibadan, Oyo State, turned tragic as a stampede during the event claimed the lives of over 20 children.
Organized by Agidigbo FM, a radio station owned by renowned broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, the event promised free gifts and food, drawing an overwhelming crowd.

The chaos unfolded when attendees surged forward to receive the gifts, leading to a stampede in which many children were trampled. Witnesses described the scene as devastating, with several injured children rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, where some were pronounced dead on arrival. Medical staff are currently battling to save others.
Social media platforms were flooded with accounts of the tragic incident. One user on X (formerly Twitter) lamented, “A lot of parents lost their children today because of free gifts… UCH is full of lifeless bodies.” Another cautioned Ibadan residents against attending similar events organized by the station, sharing reports of more children arriving at UCH in critical conditions.

Criticism of the event’s organization has also emerged, with many suggesting that better planning could have averted the disaster. “This is poverty at play, but the organizers should have anticipated the risks and ensured proper crowd control,” one user noted. Another described the event as “a heartbreaking disaster” that turned a joyous celebration into a day of mourning.

Unconfirmed reports from UCH sources indicate that some children arrived at the hospital already deceased. The hospital’s management has yet to issue an official statement on the casualties.

What was intended to spread joy during the holiday season has left Ibadan in mourning, raising concerns about event planning and crowd safety in future public gatherings.

The Urhobo Youth Leaders Association (UYLA), FCT Chapter, has commended Hon. Gift Johnbull, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), for her transformative agricultural initiative, “Earn From the Soil.”

In a statement signed by the UYLA President, Comrade Kennedy Ejename, the association highlighted the initiative’s potential to empower over 50,000 women in the South-South region by promoting agricultural activities and boosting economic opportunities.

The statement described agriculture as a vital tool for solving local food supply challenges and enabling Nigeria to earn foreign exchange through food exportation.

“Today’s event has demonstrated that the South-South is a prime investment destination, rich in human and natural resources. The insights shared by Dr. Donald Duke, former Cross River State Governor, and Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, underscore the transformative impact of agriculture in addressing food security and driving economic growth,” Comrade Ejename noted.

He praised Hon. Gift Johnbull for her commitment to showcasing the region’s agricultural potential and called on stakeholders, including governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and intervention agencies, to support the initiative.

The statement also celebrated the success of the “Road to South-South” National Convergence Event held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja. The event, organized by Hon. Johnbull, featured discussions on investment opportunities, awards, and the official launch of the “Earn From the Soil” project.

“Hon. Gift Johnbull’s efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing sustainable development and community empowerment,” the statement added.

According to UYLA, the initiative highlights the untapped potential of the South-South region in agriculture and agro-allied industries, positioning it as a critical player in Nigeria’s economic diversification.

“The ‘Earn From the Soil’ project is a bold step toward empowering women and youth in the region, fostering sustainable development, and driving economic transformation,” Comrade Ejename emphasized.

The UYLA called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative, which it described as a “game changer” for the South-South region.