By TINA TIMOTHY

The Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has expressed sorrow over the recent death of children who were trampled to death while scampering for food, drinks, and other small gifts for Christmas.

While lamenting the tragedy which took place in Ibadan the Oyo state capital, the former Anambra state governor, on his verified X handle @PeterObi, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, noted that the incident highlights the harsh realities of a society plagued with ?deep inequalities, pervasive poverty, and desperation.?

He wrote: ?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.?

Obi consequently urged leaders at all levels to ?prioritize policies that address poverty, inequality, and equitable resource access while ensuring the highest safety standards for public events, especially those involving children? and called on all Nigerians to ?create a safer, more inclusive Nigeria? adding that ?we owe it to these children to ensure their deaths inspire lasting change.?

?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.

?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," he added.

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