The Police Command has confirmed that the death toll from the tragic stampede in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, which occurred on Saturday, December 21, has risen to 22.The incident took place during a rice distribution event organized by the Obijackson Foundation at Amaranta Stadium.In a statement issued on Sunday, December 22, Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Command’s spokesperson in the state, said that several injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment.
He further disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the hospital where the injured are being treated.”The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the hospital where the victims of the stampede in Okija are undergoing treatment. Sadly, he confirmed that 22 people lost their lives,” Ikenga stated.
He continued, “The CP extends his condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, investigations into the unfortunate incident are ongoing.”The ICIR reported that the Okija stampede is part of a disturbing series of deadly stampedes in recent days, raising concerns about inadequate safety measures at public events.
This is the second major stampede within a week. Hours after the Okija incident, another stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, claimed the lives of 10 people and injured four others during the distribution of Christmas packages to underprivileged residents. Eyewitnesses attributed the tragedy to poor crowd control and the delayed arrival of law enforcement.