A stampede in Okija, Anambra State, claimed the lives of some people who went to collect food supplies.
This occurred when one of Okija’s influential men handed food supplies to neighbors as Christmas gifts, resulting in an enormous crowd. The deceased, mostly women, were transported to the morgue.
This comes only days after 35 children were killed in a stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, Oyo state, and ten were killed in an Abuja stampede while sharing food.
In response to the reports, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, in a statement released said: “Anambra State Police Operatives have taken over the scene in Okija where an alleged stampede occurred in the early hours of today 21/12/2024, that led to some persons being fatally wounded.
“Preliminary information reveals that a known Philanthropist from the Okiaja Community, on his yearly schedule shares some palliatives to the members of the community to provide succour to the less privileged. Unfortunately, before the event could start, a large number of uncontrolled persons took over the event area which resulted in a stampede.
“Though the details of the affected persons as still sketchy, Police Operatives have taken over the scene for proper investigation, please.”
