Dozens killed, scores hospitalised in stampede over Christmas rice at Obi Jackson Foundation in Anambra
Dozens of Anambra residents are feared killed after a rice-sharing event led to a stampede in Okija, Anambra.
The tragedy on Saturday morning came after Obi Jackson Foundation, run by oil magnate Ernest Obiejesi, announced plans to share rice to the less privileged in the spirit of 2024 Christmas.
“Dozens of people were killed,” a witness told Peoples Gazette on Saturday morning. Videos showed the bodies of some of the diseased, mostly women.
Witnesses said many injured participants were rushed to Our Lady’s Hospital in Okija. A spokesperson for the hospital did not immediately return a request seeking comments.
The police in Anambra said the matter was under investigation, with the command spokesperson declining to elaborate on Saturday morning.
A resident who spoke with The Gazette about the incident said thousands of 10-kilogramme bags of rice were shared, and many people received only cups of rice because of the large number of people looking to benefit from the Christmas charity, which Mr Obiejesi organises annually. His foundation operates children’s hospitals and educational facilities in Okija, about 100 kilometres south of Awka, the state capital.
The Gazette has contacted Mr Obiejesi for comments about the development.
The incident came days after a similar Christmas charity event turned deadly in Ibadan, killing 35 children.
Details shortly…
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Hot news Home top
311 Reps vote for passage of state police bill
Mr Tajuddeen said 276 lawmakers voted physically while 35 voted virtually, bringing the number to 311, which formed a two-thirds majority.
Economy
Senate confirms Lamido Yuguda as AMCON board chairman
Mr Yuguda’s confirmation followed presentation and adoption of the report of the Senate committee on banking, insurance and other financial institutions.
World
UN Security Council reform vital to global peace, says COAS
He stated that it is through reforms that the UNSC can remain legitimate and guarantee equitable and fair representation,” he said.
Lagos
Lagos assembly confirms three local govt service commission nominees, defers two
Lagos State House of Assembly confirmed three nominees for appointment to the Local Government Service Commission.
Heading 4
Tinubu approves expansion of army to 12 divisions
Mr Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 28,000 army personnel to strengthen national security.
Economy
FG profiles Lagos-Calabar coastal road guards, installs trackers on motorcycles
Mr Dare said the initiative became necessary following repeated vandalism of facilities installed on the highway.
