Peter Obi

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed grievances over the death of some children caused by a stampede in Ibadan.

Peter Obi said the incident showed the extent of the country’s poverty, system failure, and harsh realities.

In a statement on Wednesday, he emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize policies that address poverty and inequality.

“The devastating news of innocent children reportedly trampled to death during a Christmas celebration in Ibadan is both heart-wrenching and a stark reflection of the systemic failures that plague our nation today. This tragedy, which occurred during what should have been a moment of joy, highlights the harsh realities of our society—a country where the scramble for basics such as food, drinks, and small gifts often leads to unimaginable sorrow.

“How did we, as a people, reach a point where children—the very symbols of hope and the future—lose their lives in the pursuit of something as simple as Christmas gifts? This calamity exposes the deep inequalities, pervasive poverty, and desperation afflicting our nation. It also reveals a broader failure in event planning, crowd control, and the fundamental duty to safeguard human lives.

“This tragedy calls for deep reflection and decisive action from leaders at all levels. We must prioritize policies that address poverty, inequality, and equitable resource access while ensuring the highest safety standards for public events, especially those involving children,” he said.

The former governor of Anambra State called on leaders to work towards creating a society that takes care of the most vulnerable.