Police confirm 22 deaths, open investigation after stampede over Christmas rice in Anambra
The police in Anambra have confirmed 22 deaths in Saturday’s stampede at the scene of palliatives distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area. The figure was lower than the 28 bodies that hospital workers informed Peoples Gazette were recovered from the tragedy at Obi Jackson Foundation, run by Ernest Obiejesi of Nestoil.
The police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, who gave an update on the development in a statement on Sunday in Onitsha, Anambra police commission Nnaghe Itam visited the hospital where the victims of the tragic stampede are receiving treatment.
Mr Itam sympathised with the families and friends of the deceased while wishing those injured quick recovery, the spokesman said.
He said that an investigation into the incident was ongoing, adding that the command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people during and after the festive period.
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