At least, 12 people lost their lives and 32 others were injured in Okija town in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday morning after a chaotic scramble for Christmas rice ended in tragedy.
The chaotic scene unfolded at a charity event hosted by renowned philanthropist Chief Earnest Obiejesi, also known as Obi Jackson.
Witnesses shared disturbing footage on social media, showing lifeless bodies on the ground and injured individuals being rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
The majority of the victims were women and children who had gathered at the gate, desperately trying to gain entry amidst an overwhelming crowd.
The incident has sparked widespread shock and grief, with many calling for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Mr. Charles Aburime, said: “The state government is closely monitoring the situation, and an official statement is expected to be released soon.”
Mr. Golden Ilo, the member representing Ihiala Constituency 2 in the Anambra State House of Assembly, condemned the tragic incident in a telephone interview, lamenting that it was an unfortunate situation that befell the community.
According to Ilo, the benefactor’s intention was to provide relief to his community with bags of rice, aimed at alleviating the economic hardship faced by the people.
He urged the public to remain calm, assuring them that efforts were underway to contain the situation and restore order.
SP. Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the state police command, in a statement released on Saturday afternoon, confirmed that the authorities are aware of the incident and have dispatched officers to the scene to restore order.
He said: “Anambra State Police operatives have taken over the scene in Okija where an alleged stampede occurred in the early hours of today, 21/12/2024, that led to some persons being fatally wounded.
“Preliminary information reveals that a known philanthropist from the Okija
Community, on his yearly schedule, shares some palliatives to the members of the community to provide succour to the less privileged.
“Unfortunately, before the event could start, a large number of uncontrolled persons took over the event area, which resulted in a stampede.
“Though the details of the affected persons are still sketchy, police operatives have taken over the scene for proper investigation. Further details shall be communicated.”
Persecondnews had reported a similar stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on December 19, which claimed the lives of over 35 people, mostly children.
Also in March 2024, a similar rice distribution mishap had claimed the lives of students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
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