At least 17 people have been confirmed dead, with several others sustaining injuries in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a stampede during the distribution of Christmas rice by Obijackson Foundation on Saturday.
The tragic incident occurred at one of the foundation’s facilities in Amarata, Ohalegbu village, Okija.
READ ALSO: Stampede at church event kills 29 in Liberian capital
Obijackson Foundation has been organizing the annual Christmas rice distribution for many years, attracting people from across Ihiala and neighboring communities. Eyewitnesses reported that the victims, mostly women and youths, had arrived at the facility as early as 5 a.m., eagerly awaiting the distribution to begin at daybreak.
According to witnesses, the situation escalated as soon as the distribution started. The crowd, eager to collect the rice, became uncontrollable, resulting in a deadly stampede. The victims, including pregnant women, were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala.
A viral video captured the chaotic aftermath, showing the lifeless bodies of the victims outside the hospital’s mortuary, along with scenes of people frantically trying to revive those who had fallen unconscious. Relatives of the victims were seen mourning, with many sobbing uncontrollably.
The state police command has not yet confirmed the incident, but the community remains in shock over the tragic event.
