The Labour Party (LP) has expressed deep concern over the recent spate of deadly stampedes across Nigeria, describing them as signs of a growing hunger epidemic in the country.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk, the party lamented the loss of at least 65 lives in separate incidents in Oyo and Anambra states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Farouk noted that the incidents, which involved food distributions and public events, highlight the severe level of hunger and desperation among Nigerians.
“About 40 children died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State. Similarly, 20 residents of Okija in Anambra State lost their lives during the distribution of palliatives by a philanthropist. Another 10 died in Abuja while struggling for food distributed by a Catholic church,” Farouk said.
He described the tragedies as preventable and blamed rising hunger and poverty levels for pushing citizens into desperation.
Citing World Bank data, Farouk said Nigeria’s poverty rate has risen to 40.7%, with over 87 million people living below the poverty line, making it the second-poorest nation globally after India.
He also linked the surge in crimes such as kidnappings and fuel scooping disasters to hunger and economic hardship, arguing that desperate attempts to survive have turned Nigeria into a humanitarian crisis zone.
“The economic reforms of the Tinubu administration have caused untold hardship to Nigerians. Hunger is turning into an epidemic, and not many people can survive this situation,” he said.
Farouk urged the federal government to prioritize agriculture and food production in 2025, noting that more than 70% of Nigeria’s land and aquatic resources remain underutilized.
“The government must scale down some of its non-essential programs and redirect policies towards agriculture. Mnistries in charge of food production and related sectors should be made to function effectively,” Farouk added.
He concluded by calling on the government to fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property, warning that continued negligence would worsen the crisis.
“The statistics are not good, and the government must sit up and put its acts together. Enough of taking the people for granted,” he warned.