Okija tragedy: Police confirm 22 dead, Anambra mourns
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Police Command in Anambra has confirmed 22 deaths in Saturday’s stampede at the scene of palliatives distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area. The police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who gave an update on the development in a statement on Sunday in Onitsha, said that investigation into the unfortunate incident was ongoing,
Meanwhile, dazed by the magnitude of deaths resulting from the stampede, Anambra State Government has expressed deep grief at the development.
In his expression of sympathy, Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, especially the women, the elderly, pregnant, nursing mothers and children who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident and has pledged to get to the root of the accident.
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The reactions of the governor, were contained in a release by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime. A mishap at a rice-sharing event on Saturday resulted to many lives lost to stampede. Sources put the number of victims at between 17 and 29, with many injured.
In the statement, the State Government acknowledged that the Obi Jackson Foundation, led by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, had organised the event with the noble intention of sharing relief materials with less privileged members of the community during this festive season. It noted however, that the resulting tragedy underscores the urgent need for a more structured and safer approach to distributing such assistance.
The statemen added that the State Government in a prompt action on the incident has initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede. “The government will work closely with relevant agencies to determine the root causes of this unfortunate event and ensure that any negligence or lapses in safety protocols are duly addressed”, it added.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Government has also implored all well-meaning individuals and organisations engaged in charitable activities to prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries.
The release stressed that more proactive measures should be put in place in subsequent events that will entail large crowds, to minimise accidents and other unforeseen developments.
“It is strongly advised that future distributions of relief materials be conducted in a more organised and decentralised manner, with adequate crowd control measures in place. This may include establishing multiple distribution points within the community to reduce overcrowding at a single location; implementing a system to prioritise vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with disabilities; employing trained personnel to manage crowds, ensure orderly queues, and provide assistance to those in need; and conducting public awareness campaigns to educate the public on safety protocols during such events”, it remarked.
