The Labour Party (LP) has raised the alarm over a series of fatal stampedes in Nigeria, which it says highlight a deepening hunger crisis across the country.

In a statement by its National Secretary, Umar Farouk, the party lamented the deaths of at least 65 people in separate incidents in Oyo and Anambra states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Farouk attributed the tragedies to widespread hunger and desperation among Nigerians.

“About 40 children died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State. Similarly, 20 residents of Okija, Anambra State, perished during the distribution of palliatives by a philanthropist. Another 10 lives were lost in Abuja while struggling for food distributed by a Catholic church,” Farouk stated.

The spokesman described the incidents as preventable, blaming rising poverty levels for pushing citizens into desperation. Farouk cited World Bank data showing Nigeria’s poverty rate at 40.7 per cent, with over 87 million people living below the poverty line, making it the second-poorest nation globally after India.

He further linked the surge in crimes such as kidnappings and fuel-scooping disasters to economic hardship, arguing that Nigeria is becoming a humanitarian crisis zone.

Farouk criticised the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, claiming they have exacerbated the plight of citizens. “Hunger is turning into an epidemic, and not many people can survive this situation,” he said.

The spokesman urged the Federal Government to prioritise agriculture and food production, emphasising that more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s land and aquatic resources remain underutilised.

Farouk also called on the government to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives, warning that further negligence would deepen the crisis.

“Enough of taking the people for granted,” he concluded.