A tragic stampede in Okija, Anambra State, has claimed several lives as residents gathered to collect food items distributed as Christmas gifts. The incident occurred when a prominent local philanthropist organized a food-sharing event to support the community during the festive season. The overwhelming crowd, mostly women, led to chaos and fatalities. The deceased were evacuated to the morgue, though the exact number of victims remains unclear.
This incident follows similar tragedies in recent days, including the death of 35 children at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, and ten fatalities during a food-sharing event in Abuja. These events highlight the risks associated with poorly managed large gatherings.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed that the police had secured the scene and launched an investigation. He stated, “An alleged stampede occurred in the early hours of today, 21/12/2024, leading to some persons being fatally wounded.
Preliminary findings reveal that a well-known philanthropist from the Okija community organizes this annual event to support the less privileged. Unfortunately, a large, uncontrolled crowd overwhelmed the venue before the event could start, resulting in the stampede.”
The police assured the public of a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and identify measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. The tragedy has sparked conversations about the need for better crowd management and safety measures during public events.
As the community mourns the loss, authorities are urged to enforce stricter controls to ensure the safety of participants at future gatherings.