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BREAKING: The Anambra Christmas rice scramble claimed 12 lives and injured 32
A philanthropist and son of the town, Chief Earnest Obiejesi, also known as Obi Jackson, organized the rice distribution, causing a stampede that is thought to have injured over 32 people in varying degrees.
As part of his foundation’s endeavor to help his kinsmen, philanthropist Obiejesi has reportedly made the distribution of food items an annual tradition during most festive seasons. This tradition frequently culminates in a sizable carnival.
However, this year’s distribution was marred by deaths and injuries as the surging crowd became uncontrollable, leading to a stampede that has so far claimed twelve lives.
“It is not our brother Obi Jackson who caused their deaths, but the crowd that refused to comport themselves,” stated a town son who went by the name Uchenna.
Most people were afraid that the rice might not reach them because of the widespread hunger, even though the bags of rice I saw could feed everyone and even more. This led to the tragic incident, and it is very unfortunate,”.
“The crowd was overwhelming, and more people were still arriving to take part in the rice distribution when people started shouting,” explained Mrs. Maria Okonkwo, who was on her way to the location, as she recounted the incident.
The organizers were busy trying to control the crowd, but there was little they could do as the crowd had overpowered them. Some people chose to carry as many bags as possible, and when others fell, they were trampled by the surging crowd, leading to the deaths of several individuals.”
“I cannot say exactly how many people died, but it could be around ten or thirteen. However, those who were injured are more than thirty, and about six people fainted,”
Efforts to contact the event organizers were unsuccessful, as none of them answered their calls, possibly due to shock over the incident.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochikwu Ikenga in a statement issued on Saturday 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, leading to some fatalities.”
He said that the preliminary information reveals that a known philanthropist from the Okija community, as part of his yearly tradition, distributes palliatives to the less privileged in the community.
According to him, unfortunately, before the event could start, a large, uncontrolled crowd took over the event area, resulting in the stampede.
Ikenga also said that although the details of the affected persons are still sketchy, but police operatives have taken control of the scene for a proper investigation.
He added that further details would be communicated.
