At least twelve people have been confirmed dead and over thirty-two others injured in a tragic stampede that occurred in Okija town, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State this Saturday morning.
The incident took place during a scramble for Christmas rice, which was being distributed by philanthropist, Chief Earnest Obiejesi, also known as Obi Jackson.
This distribution of food items, a tradition for the philanthropist, has been held during festive seasons as part of his foundation’s efforts to support the community.
However, this year’s event turned tragic when a crowd, in a desperate rush for the rice, became uncontrollable, leading to the stampede that claimed the lives of twelve individuals.
Uchenna, a local resident, explained, “It is not our brother Obi Jackson that caused their death but the crowd that refused to comport themselves and the bags of rice that I saw can take care of everyone and even more people but due to the hunger in the land most people feel that the rice may not get to them and that was why this sad incident happened and it is very unfortunate,” he lamented.
Mrs. Maria Okonkwo, who was on her way to the event when the tragedy unfolded, described the scene in detail: “The number is too much and more people were still coming to take part in the sharing of the bags of rice when people started shouting and the organizers were busy trying to control the crowd, but there is nothing much they could do because the crowd had overpowered them. Some people chose to carry as many bags as possible when people started falling, and some of those who fell were trampled upon by the surging crowd, leading to the death of those people.”
She continued, “I cannot say how many people died, but it could be around ten or thirteen. Those that got injured are more than thirty, and some people, about six, fainted.”
Efforts to reach the organizers for comment were unsuccessful, as none of them answered their calls, possibly still in shock over the incident.
In response to the tragedy, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochikwu Ikenga, issued a statement, confirming the occurrence of the stampede: “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.”
The police spokesperson further clarified the situation: “Preliminary information reveals that a known philanthropist from the Okija Community, on his yearly schedule, shares some palliatives with members of the community to provide succor 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,” he added.
