The Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has linked the tragic stampede in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of 35 children, to the pervasive hunger and poverty affecting the country.
In a statement signed by its Oyo State Secretary, Ayodeji Adigun, the SPN highlighted the desperation of struggling families as the underlying cause of the incident during a Christmas charity event.
“The struggle for survival led many parents, mostly from poor working-class backgrounds, to ensure their children attended the event, with hopes of receiving food and relief amidst harsh economic conditions,” the statement noted.
Adigun criticized anti-people policies and the widening inequality under Nigeria’s capitalist governance, stating, “These unfortunate events are the result of widespread poverty amidst abundant resources. Parents see such events as a rare opportunity to find respite from their struggles.”
The SPN further revealed that some parents traveled long distances and camped overnight at the venue to secure spots for their children, while some adults without children also joined the crowd, seeking any form of relief.
The party called for systemic reforms to address poverty and ensure better living conditions for Nigerians. It also emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The stampede occurred during a children’s party organized for 5,000 attendees, where overcrowding and desperation overwhelmed the event organizers.
