Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Police confirm 22 deaths, open investigation after stampede over Christmas rice in Anambra

The figure was lower than the 28 bodies that hospital workers informed Peoples Gazette were recovered from the tragedy at Obi Jackson Foundation

• December 22, 2024
Ernest Obiejesi and The Nigerian Police
Ernest Obiejesi and The Nigerian Police

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. 

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

farmers

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

Katsina State

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.”

Showbiz

Singer Niniola returns with new single “O Du Mi” after husband’s death

Ahead of one of her performances, Niniola said returning to music remained emotionally challenging.

Olatunji Disu

States

IG bars Amotekun from Osun poll, deploys DIG Mohammed to cordinate security operation

Mr Disu said the deployment was part of operational measures of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to ensure a peaceful, secure, and credible electoral process in Osun State.

States

Man declared missing after leaving home for work in Ibadan found alive

“My husband Arije Abidemi Ajibola has been found,” Ms Arije stated

Wike

Abuja

Wike shuts Abuja secretariat of dissolved committee on sales of FG houses 

According to the statement, the secretariat was retained to attend to issues arising from the ad-hoc committee’s activities upon the completion its the assignments.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Economy

Capital Market: SEC urges investors to reclaim outstanding  funds, promotes e-dividend registration

Ms Hassan-Usman also warned investors against Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent investment arrangements.