At least 17 people were confirmed d3ad and several others injured in a stampede during the distribution of Christmas rice by Obijackson Foundation officials on Saturday in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State
The incident occurred at the Foundation’s facility in Amarata, Ohalegbu village, where the annual distribution, eagerly anticipated by residents of Ihiala and neighboring communities, took place.
Eyewitnesses reported that the victims, mostly women and youths, had arrived as early as 5 a.m. to await the start of the distribution at daybreak. When the distribution began, the crowd surged uncontrollably in a rush to collect rice, triggering the stampede.
The bodies of the deceased and those injured were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala. A viral video showed dead bodies, including pregnant women, around the hospital’s mortuary area, with chaotic scenes of people fleeing and attempting to revive those who had fallen unconscious.
The state police command has yet to confirm the incident, but many grieving relatives were seen sobbing uncontrollably.
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These people will never learn