Stampedes in Nigeria Reflect Tinubu’s Economic Mismanagement, Says Sowore

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has linked the recent stampedes that claimed numerous lives across Nigeria to the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the incidents as a reflection of the country’s deteriorating economic situation.

In a post on X on Saturday, Mr. Sowore said, “Not less than 100 Nigerians have perished in less than a week in Ibadan (Oyo), Okija (Anambra), and Abuja (FCT) just in search of rice; this speaks precisely to the debilitating economic destruction wrought on Nigerians by the @officialABAT regime since his unfortunate ascension to power in May 2023.”

The tragedies, which occurred during various food distribution events, have highlighted the desperation among many Nigerians. On Wednesday, a stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, organized by the foundation of the Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife, claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left many injured. Governor Seyi Makinde condemned the incident and pledged to hold those responsible accountable.

In Anambra State, a rice-sharing event by the Obi Jackson Foundation turned fatal on Saturday morning when a stampede broke out, reportedly killing dozens. The foundation, led by oil magnate Ernest Obiejesi, had planned the distribution to support the less privileged during the Christmas season.

A similar tragedy unfolded in Abuja on the same day, where at least 10 people, including four children, lost their lives in a stampede. The incident occurred during a food distribution event organized by a local church as part of its Christmas outreach program.

Reacting to these incidents, Mr. Sowore criticized President Tinubu’s economic policies, which he argued have left Nigerians increasingly vulnerable. He described the deaths as “unprecedented but unwarranted” and a stark indicator of the country’s worsening economic crisis.

“If anyone didn’t know how bad things are and how our people are really desperate for survival, this unprecedented but unwarranted death by hunger – suicide tells the real story. Nigeria is in trouble and Nigerians are endangered!” Mr. Sowore wrote.