By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
Tragedy occured in the early morning hours on Saturday as twelve persons died in Okija town, Ihiala Local Government area of Anambra state.
This was as a result of a stampede which occured at the residence of popular businessman and philanthropist, Chief Ernest Azudialo Obiejesi, popularly known as Obi Jackson.
About 32 others are also in critical conditions and have been rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Those affected were said to be rushing to collect free Christmas Rice and other consumables meant to cushion the effect poverty and hardship among residents of the area.
The victims are said to be mostly aged and young women, especially, widows who had converged at Obi Jackson’s residence as it was a yearly activity.
A resident of the town who gave his name as Uchenna disclosed that,, “It is not our brother Obi Jackson that caused their death but the crowd that refused to comport themselves.
“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. It is very unfortunate.”
Another resident, Mrs Maria Okonkwo, who was going to the venue of the rice distribution said “The crowd was 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 was nothing they could do because the crowd had over powered them.”
“While some chose to carry as many bags as possible, people started falling and some of those that fell down were trampled upon by the surging crowd.”
Efforts to get in contact with the organizers of the event failed as of the time of filing this report.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement 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.”
He said, “Preliminary information reveals that a known Philanthropist from the Okija Community, on his yearly schedule shared 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 as still sketchy, Police Operatives have taken over the scene for proper investigation, please. Further details shall be communicated.
