Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has described as ”devastating” the death of children at a school funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Chronicle NG reports that no fewer than 30 children have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival organised at Basorun Islamic High School.
Describing the death as ”heart-wrenching,” Obi, in a statement on his X page on Wednesday, attributed the incident to ”the systemic failures that plague our nation today.”
Obi, who lamented that while ”this calamity exposes the deep inequalities, pervasive poverty, and desperation afflicting our nation,” condemned the organisers of the funfair over their ”failure in event planning, crowd control, and the fundamental duty to safeguard human lives.”
While praying for the repose of the souls of the bereaved children, the Labour Party chieftain urged all and sundry to ”commit to building a society where such incidents are unthinkable.”
Obi’s statement reads, ”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 prioritise policies that address poverty, inequality, and equitable resource access while ensuring the highest safety standards for public events, especially those involving children.
”As we mourn these young lives, let us commit to building a society where such incidents are unthinkable.
”The measure of a nation’s greatness lies in its care for the vulnerable, and this moment should inspire us to create a safer, more inclusive Nigeria. We owe it to these children to ensure their deaths inspire lasting change.”
