ANAMBRA STAMPEDE: Many People Dead In A Rice Sharing Event

The Nigerian police have confirmed that an undisclosed number of residents from Okija community in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State were killed in a stampede during a rice-sharing event in the community.

According to a video of the incident, the victims said to be numbering over 100 including men, women, pregnant women, were stampeded to death on Saturday December 21, 2024 while struggling to get their share of Obijason rice being shared in the community.

One of the witnesses who recorded the video, who spoke in Igbo language, showed dead bodies of the said victims at Our Lady’s Hospital in Okija where he made the video.

Speaking in the viral video, the male voice said, “This thing happened in Okija now. People who went to share Obijason rice, see people who died. We are in Our Lady’s now.

“They went to share Obijason rice and they were stampeded to death. See all of them, including women. These are people stampeded to death. See people’s dead bodies. They are all dead. They went to share Obijason rice.
 
“There are a lot of dead bodies. They are still bringing in dead bodies. This happened this morning. Even pregnant women. It is happening now, 21 December. Abomination has happened.

“More dead bodies are still coming. This is Okija. We are in Our Lady’s. These are not those who are unconscious. They are still bringing more. They said what is here is more than 100 dead bodies. Tragedy happened.”

In Awka, the state capital, two residents confirmed that the tragedy happened on Saturday morning.

One of the residents who said he hails from the said Okija community said he has called his people at home who confirmed that the incident occurred but he was yet to confirm the exact number of victims.

The resident said, “An occurrence of said dimensions took place and is still unraveling. I'm from Okija and preliminary calls to home from me here in Awka have confirmed a tragedy of the reported magnitude.”

When contacted, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident adding that some persons were killed during the stampede.

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.”