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At least 27 people are feared dead following a stampede during a Christmas rice distribution event in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The unfortunate incident occurred at a charity program organised by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson, a philanthropist and Chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The annual event, aimed at assisting the less privileged, descended into chaos as an overwhelming crowd scrambled for rice.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to The Nation described the scene as heartbreaking, lamenting that the crowd’s impatience turned a noble gesture into a catastrophe.
A viral video captured the chaotic moments, with one witness expressing disbelief over the behaviour of the crowd.
“Hunger has made some people ‘stupid’. Why were they fighting and rushing for rice that would have been enough for everyone, no matter how many people came?” the eyewitness said, adding that Obijackson’s Foundation has consistently provided excess rice every year, with people from neighboring states also benefiting. “The stampede was caused by impatience.”
The stampede left several injured, with victims rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were transported to the morgue.
Among the victims were relatives of an aide to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who reportedly lost two family members in the incident.
The aide, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ihiala, was deeply shaken by the tragedy.
Although efforts to reach the state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, were unsuccessful, a senior police officer confirmed the incident.
“Yes, it’s true. The Commissioner of Police, Obono Itam, has already dispatched officers to the site.
“The stampede likely resulted from the crowd’s rush, but the command will begin an investigation immediately. It was a pure accident, and we deeply sympathize with the affected families,” the officer said.
