No fewer than 27 people were feared dead following a stampede in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. 

The tragic incident occurred during a Christmas rice distribution event organized by a local foundation to aid the less privileged.

The annual charity event, spearheaded by philanthropist and Chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ernest Obiejesi, known as Obijackson, turned deadly due to the overwhelming crowd. 

An eyewitness, who spoke to The Nation, described how the good intentions behind the event were overshadowed by the chaos that ensued.

The source confirmed a viral video showing the tragic scene and expressed disbelief over the actions 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.”

Several injured victims were rushed to the local hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue. 

It was gathered that the incident also affected the state government, as one aide to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo reportedly lost two relatives in the stampede. 

The aide, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the local government, was deeply affected by the loss.

The state police public relations officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached for comment, but 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 officer said, adding, “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.”

[TheNation]