A tragic stampede during a rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State, claimed multiple lives, including pregnant women. Organized by Obi Jackson, CEO of Nestoil, the charity event turned chaotic, leaving 13 confirmed dead. The incident highlights the need for better crowd control and planning to prevent such preventable tragedies.
A tragic stampede occurred during a rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State, on Saturday morning, leaving several people dead and others injured. The event, reportedly organized as part of an annual Christmas charity by Obi Jackson, the CEO of Nestoil, turned chaotic as the crowd surged to receive their share.
Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media revealed distressing scenes of victims, including pregnant women, being trampled in the rush. A video recorded at Our Lady’s Mortuary in Ihiala displayed the bodies of those who lost their lives in the incident. The individual behind the camera, speaking in Igbo, lamented the tragedy and described the situation as an abomination.
Initial reports suggest that at least 13 people died in the stampede, although the exact figure remains unconfirmed. The chaotic distribution process has drawn criticism, with many emphasizing the need for organized and safe methods to prevent such disasters during charity events.
This incident follows a similar tragedy earlier in the week in Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s Christmas party resulted in multiple fatalities. These back-to-back events highlight the urgent need for better crowd management at large gatherings to avoid further loss of life.
Authorities and event organizers are being urged to adopt stricter safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. Investigations into the cause of the stampede are ongoing.
