Another stampede tragedy has struck the nation as over 20 persons have reportedly died during rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.
Edum News gathered that the tragic incident happened early morning of Saturday (today) at the residence of Chief Earnest Azudialo Obiejesi, popularly known as Obi Jackson.
The victims of the stampede were mainly aged and young women especially widows who had converged in Obi Jackson’s house for the palliative as they always did every Christmas season.
According to an eyewitness, the stampede was due to the large number of persons who had come for the palliative which surpassed previous years exercises.
He said, “The multiple deaths of Okija citizens resulted from crowd stampede at ongoing palliatives powered by Okija,s top son, Chief Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi who made impact in Okija on several fronts.
“His annual Christmas palliative of distribution of free food items attracted mammoth crowds per year. This year is a never before seen crowd that got out of control despite care distribution of cards to intended recipients. As at now, over 19 deaths have been recorded and several more injured due to exhaustion.
The victims are said to have been deposited at Our Ladies Mortuary, Okija while injured ones have been rushed to undisclosed hospitals for urgent medical attention.
A mother and daughter who are relatives of Chief Ken Emeakayi, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security are said to be part of the deceased.
