AWKA: A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in Okija.
According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a philanthropic event where a known benefactor from the Okija community was distributing palliative materials to help the less privileged. Unfortunately, before the event could begin, a large, unruly crowd overwhelmed the area, causing a stampede.
The victims were seen lying near coffins, seemingly lifeless. At the time of reporting, the reason behind the presence of the coffins was unclear.
A male voice in a video, who was recording the scene, was heard saying, These are people who went to share rice at Obi Jackson’s house. We are at Our Ladies now. They were trampled to death. Look at them, they went to get a share of Obi Jackson’s rice and were trampled to death. Look at them, including women.
This person is dead. It’s happening now. Look at all these dead bodies. They are at Our Ladies now. Just watch and see. There are many of them, even pregnant women among them. It’s happening now, 21st December; it’s an abomination. Look at them, they are still bringing more people. Some are unconscious and they are bringing them too. It’s an abomination.
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Our Ladies is a prominent hospital in Ihiala.
The bodies seen in the video numbered about 15, with cries heard in the background. Although details about the victims remain unclear, the police have taken control of the scene for further investigation.
This tragic incident comes just days after a similar stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, during a children’s funfair, which resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left six others critically injured.
