A tragic stampede in Okija, Anambra State, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, has reportedly left over 20 people dead and several others injured. The exact number of casualties has not been confirmed.
The unfortunate incident occurred during the distribution of Christmas relief items organized by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, also known as Obijackson, a well-known philanthropist in the community.
Crowds had gathered in large numbers even before the distribution began, leading to the deadly stampede.
Eyewitnesses noted that Obijackson has been providing such assistance for years without any issues.
However, they attributed this year’s tragedy to the worsening economic conditions in the country, with inflation and poverty leaving many struggling to survive.
Women were reportedly the most affected by the stampede. The injured were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were transported to the mortuary.
This incident occurred just five hours after another stampede during food distribution at a Catholic church in Abuja, which claimed 10 lives and left many hospitalized.
These back-to-back tragedies highlight the severe hunger and hardship faced by many Nigerians, as increasing numbers of people are unable to afford basic necessities. Observers have called for better organization of such events to prevent further loss of life.