A tragic stampede on Saturday morning left several dead, including women and children, during a rice distribution event organized by Chief Dr. Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson. The humanitarian effort, aimed at alleviating hunger in the community, turned fatal due to a lack of adequate crowd control measures......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
Videos circulating on social media depict a heartbreaking scene with lifeless bodies strewn across the distribution venue. The chaos reportedly ensued as thousands of residents gathered, hoping to secure a share of the rice amid widespread hunger and economic hardship.
Eyewitnesses claim that the large turnout overwhelmed organizers, resulting in a desperate scramble that led to the fatal stampede. Some victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed at this time.
Charles Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, acknowledged the tragic incident, stating that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will issue a formal statement shortly. “This is a somber moment for our state,” Aburime remarked. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.”
This devastating event marks the second rice distribution-related tragedy in 2024, following a stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed over 35 lives, predominantly children, during a carnival giveaway. These incidents highlight the urgent need for improved crowd management strategies in community outreach programs.
Community leaders and stakeholders are now calling for stricter safety measures during public charity events. “The hunger crisis is driving people to desperate measures,” one local resident noted. “While these gestures are commendable, they must prioritize the safety and dignity of beneficiaries.”
As Anambra State mourns this devastating loss, the tragedy underscores the critical importance of balancing generosity with responsibility to prevent future occurrences of such heartbreaking events.
Watch video below..
BREAKING NEWS: Christmas Rice sharing caused a Stampede in Okija Anambra South East Nigeria.
Many K!lled as Christmas rice sharing caused a stampede in the Okija community in Anambra State after hunger made people rush for Rice in Anambra pic.twitter.com/srdoAh8KtU
— Nononsense (@NoNonsensezone) December 21, 2024
