Expressing his concerns, Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the recent general election on February 18, highlighted the unfortunate reality of life being undervalued in Nigeria.
He remarked on the distressing trend of stampedes and fights over food, which he viewed as a clear indication of the widespread hunger and starvation prevalent in the country.
The former governor of Anambra State pointed out the grim situation where individuals are perishing due to hunger even before their expected lifespan, emphasizing that the mere act of searching for meager food has transformed into a perilous endeavor.
These remarks were prompted by the recent stampede at Nasarawa State University, resulting in the tragic loss of two students who were striving to access government-provided food.
Furthermore, there have been reports of four additional casualties in a stampede during a charitable zakat event for the impoverished in Bauchi State.
In a social media post, Obi underscored the profound desperation prevailing among the populace.
He highlighted the escalating food prices and the stagnating productivity in the nation, leading people to lead uncertain lives unsure of where their next meal will come from.
Commenting on the distressing situation, Obi stated: “The devaluation of life in our country today is truly disheartening. The daily reports of fellow Nigerians losing their lives in the pursuit of basic sustenance through food consumption are becoming alarmingly common.”
“Just a few days ago, my heart sank witnessing the tragic incident involving some students at Nasarawa State University who lost their lives in a stampede while vying for government-provided sustenance.”
“Yesterday, news emerged that an additional four individuals lost their lives in a stampede during an almsgiving charity event for the needy in Bauchi State. These frequent stampedes and struggles over food starkly epitomize the severe hunger and malnutrition prevailing in our nation.”
“They also depict the pervasive desperation plaguing our populace. Amidst the continuous rise in food prices and the nation’s persistent unproductivity, many of our citizens are left in a state of uncertainty, unsure of where their next meal will originate from.”
