Stampede Highlights Nigeria’s Hunger Crisis – Labour Party

• The Labour Party’s Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim condemned recent stampedes in Oyo and Anambra, linking them to Nigeria’s growing hunger epidemic
• Ibrahim criticized the government’s economic management, urging a focus on food production to combat rising poverty and insecurity affecting Nigerians

The Labour Party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, has expressed deep concern over recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra states, and the Federal Capital Territory, which claimed approximately 65 lives, including children.

In a statement released on Friday, Alhaji Ibrahim described the tragic events as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of hunger in Nigeria, emphasizing that the country is not grappling with natural disasters but faces a growing epidemic of hunger and poverty.

He noted that the desperation seen in these stampedes reflects the harsh economic conditions plaguing millions of Nigerians. “The scale of these tragedies points to hunger as one of the worst epidemics a people can endure,” Ibrahim stated.

The LP secretary also linked poverty to other societal tragedies, including the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accident scenes, which has led to fatal infernos causing significant casualties.

Quoting data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Ibrahim highlighted the alarming state of insecurity, with over 2 million people reportedly kidnapped in the past year, and $1.42 billion paid as ransom to kidnappers within the same period.

“Hunger drives many to desperate acts, including crime,” he said, attributing the dire situation to rising inflation and what he described as poor economic management under the current administration.

Ibrahim criticized the Tinubu-led government’s economic reforms, arguing they have inflicted severe hardships on the populace. “Hunger is becoming an epidemic, and many Nigerians are struggling to survive under these conditions,” he added.

The Labour Party had previously warned before the 2023 general elections that Nigeria needed to shift from consumption-driven policies to production-based economic strategies. According to Ibrahim, the country’s failure to do so has jeopardised the economy.

He urged the government to prioritize food production in its 2024 agenda, noting that over 70% of Nigeria’s arable land remains underutilized. “Redirecting resources toward agricultural productivity is essential for combating hunger and ensuring food security,” he advised.

Ibrahim concluded by calling on the government to uphold its fundamental duty of protecting lives and property. “The lives of Nigerians must matter. Too many are being lost to insecurity, poverty, and preventable tragedies as they struggle to survive.”