The victims who died in a stampede that occurred during a Christmas rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, were buried on Friday.

The police command in Anambra had confirmed 22 people dead in the stampede that happened on December 21, 2024, during the palliatives organised by a philanthropist in the area.

The interdenominational burial service organised for the victims, held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Field, Okija, had families of the victims, community members and other notable personalities of the community.

During the service, Donald Chukwudolue, who anchored the service, prayed to the Almighty God to console everybody who lost their loved ones and wished that such would not occur again in the community.

Mr Chukwudolue said, “We ask God to wipe away every tear and console the families of the deceased. We pray such an accident will not occur in Okija again.

“Okija mourns, Anambra mourns, and Nigeria mourns. Nobody would hear such tragic news and not feel sober.”

While mourning the victims, the founder of the Obijackson Foundation, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, thanked the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emeka Okezie, and other community members for their support and show of love.

In his speech, the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Okezie, urged the foundation to continue its philanthropic gestures, as these have positively impacted the community and the people’s lives.

(NAN)