A devastating stampede occurred during a Christmas rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State, leaving at least 27 people feared dead and several others injured.
Cyber Reporters gathered that the event was organized by philanthropist Ernest Obiejesi, also known as Obijackson, a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
The annual event aimed to assist the less privileged, but it descended into chaos as the crowd scrambled for rice.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as heartbreaking, with people fighting and rushing for the rice, adding that the crowd’s impatience ultimately led to the tragic stampede.
According to eyewitnesses, the crowd’s behavior was unacceptable, considering that Obijackson’s Foundation has consistently provided excess rice every year.
People from neighboring states also benefited from the event. One witness expressed disbelief over the crowd’s actions, stating that “hunger has made some people ‘stupid’.”
The stampede left several injured, with victims rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were transported to the morgue.
Among the victims were relatives of an aide to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who reportedly lost two family members in the incident.
The police have confirmed the incident, with the Commissioner of Police dispatching officers to the site.
Cyber Reporters understands that an investigation into the cause of the stampede is set to begin.
The police described the incident as a “pure accident” and expressed sympathy for the affected families.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and organization of large-scale charity events.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of crowd control and safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
