On Saturday, December 21, 2024, a tragic stampede occurred during a rice-sharing event in Okija, a community in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The event, organized to distribute Obijason Rice, turned chaotic as residents struggled to get their share.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 100 people, including men, women, and pregnant women, lost their lives in the stampede. A video recorded by one of the witnesses showed the bodies of victims at Our Lady’s Hospital in Okija. The person, speaking in Igbo, captured the heartbreaking scene and shared the devastating news.
Speaking in the viral video, the male voice said, “This thing happened in Okija now. People who went to share Obijason rice, see people who died. We are in Our Lady’s now.
“They went to share Obijason rice and they were stampeded to death. See all of them, including women. These are people stampeded to death. See people’s dead bodies. They are all dead. They went to share Obijason rice.
“There are a lot of dead bodies. They are still bringing in dead bodies. This happened this morning. Even pregnant women. It is happening now, 21 December. Abomination has happened.
“More dead bodies are still coming. This is Okija. We are in Our Lady’s. These are not those who are unconscious. They are still bringing more. They said what is here is more than 100 dead bodies. Tragedy happened.”
The Nigerian police have confirmed the incident but are yet to provide an official count of the casualties. Meanwhile, residents of Awka, the state capital, also verified the occurrence of the stampede, though exact figures remain unclear.
The resident said, “An occurrence of said dimensions took place and is still unraveling. I’m from Okija and preliminary calls to home from me here in Awka have confirmed a tragedy of the reported magnitude.”
This tragedy highlights the urgent need for better crowd control measures during public events to prevent such devastating incidents.
He 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 are still sketchy, Police Operatives have taken over the scene for proper investigation. Further details shall be Communicated.”
