Eyewitnesses Explain the Cause of the Stampede in Anambra State During Rice Distribution by Obijackson Foundation

In Anambra State, a tragic incident occurred in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, where 17 people were confirmed dead and several others injured during a stampede. The stampede happened during the annual distribution of Christmas rice by the Obijackson Foundation, an event eagerly anticipated by residents of Ihiala and surrounding communities. Eyewitnesses reported that the victims, primarily women and youths, had gathered at the distribution site as early as 5 a.m. on Saturday. According to  the reports, the stampede was because of the crowd that surged uncontrollably during the distribution of rice.

The injured and deceased were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala. Disturbing scenes were captured in a viral video, showing bodies, including those of pregnant women, around the hospital's mortuary. The video also depicted chaotic attempts by bystanders to revive the unconscious.

The state police command has yet to officially confirm the incident, but the emotional distress was evident as many relatives of the victims were seen crying uncontrollably. This tragic event underscores the need for better crowd management and safety measures during large public distributions to prevent such disasters in the future. The Obijackson Foundation's annual rice distribution, intended as a generous gesture to help the community, has turned into a moment of sorrow and mourning.

The foundation, which has a history of providing assistance to the local population, must now address the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident and work with authorities to ensure that future events are conducted safely to avoid any recurrence of such tragedies. The community and local officials will need to come together to support the affected families during this difficult time.
In a similar development, about ten persons have also died in a stampede in Abuja. It should also be recalled that in Ibadan last Wednesday, an upward of 35 persons, mostly children died in a stampede in an Islamic School in Basorun, Ibadan.