Obi Mourns Ibadan Christmas Tragedy, Calls For Systemic Change

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic deaths of children reportedly trampled during a Christmas celebration in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and a stark illustration of Nigeria’s systemic failures.

Obi’s statement, released earlier today, highlighted the desperate circumstances that led to the tragedy.

He noted the scramble for basic necessities like food and gifts, transforming a joyous occasion into a scene of unimaginable grief.

“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?” he questioned.

The former Anambra State Governor attributed the tragedy to a confluence of factors, including deep inequalities, pervasive poverty, and a lack of adequate event planning and crowd control measures.

He criticised the broader failure to safeguard human lives, particularly those of vulnerable children.

Obi called for immediate and decisive action from all levels of government, urging the prioritisation of policies that address poverty, inequality, and equitable resource allocation.

He stressed the need for improved safety standards at public events, particularly those involving children.

Concluding his statement, Obi urged a commitment to building a more just and equitable Nigeria where such tragedies are unthinkable.

He stated that the nation’s greatness is measured by its care for the vulnerable and that the Ibadan incident should catalyze lasting change.

“We owe it to these children to ensure their deaths inspire lasting change,” he declared. The statement was signed “-PO.”