Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has attributed recent tragic stampedes in Nigeria to the country's harsh economic conditions. On December 21, 2024, stampedes in Abuja resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals, while a separate incident in Oyo State claimed the lives of 35 children. Obi expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the systemic failures in food distribution that have led to such tragedies [bab3907a].
In his statement, Obi questioned why hunger persists in a nation rich in resources, highlighting the dire need for effective palliative measures to assist the most vulnerable populations. He commiserated with the families affected by these incidents, calling for urgent attention to the economic policies that have contributed to widespread food scarcity [bab3907a].
These tragic events come amid ongoing discussions about Nigeria's economic challenges, which have been a focal point for many public figures, including musicians and entertainers. Recently, singer Davido faced backlash for his comments on the state of the economy, which he described as being in shambles, advising against relocating to Nigeria due to high oil prices and poor exchange rates. His remarks were met with criticism from various quarters, yet he found support from actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, who defended his right to speak out about the struggles faced by Nigerians [88ba6986][317ab277].
As the economic situation continues to deteriorate, with inflation rates soaring and food prices rising, the Kukah Centre has reported alarming statistics regarding child malnutrition, indicating that 37% of children under five are experiencing stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition [6dc6720a]. The growing discontent among citizens reflects a collective call for accountability and immediate relief measures from the government, as many Nigerians grapple with the harsh realities of daily life [66e8d6e6].