A tragic stampede in Okija, a community in Anambra State, has reportedly claimed the lives of several residents. The incident occurred on Saturday morning during a rice distribution event.
Reports indicate that most of the victims were women, with multiple social media videos showing lifeless bodies lying on the ground in the aftermath of the stampede. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, some survivors have been rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Charles Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, confirmed the incident when contacted. Aburime assured the public that the state government is monitoring the situation closely and would soon issue an official statement.
Recurring Tragedies of Stampedes in Nigeria
This incident in Okija follows a series of similar tragedies in Nigeria. Just days ago, over 35 people—mostly children—lost their lives during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State’s capital.
Earlier this year, in March, a stampede during a rice distribution event at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, led to the deaths of several students. The recurring nature of such incidents raises concerns about crowd management and safety protocols during public events.
Government Response and Public Concern
The Anambra State Government has expressed its condolences to the victims and their families while promising to address the situation. However, the frequent occurrence of such tragedies has sparked public outcry for stricter crowd control measures and better safety planning during events involving large gatherings.
More details are expected as investigations into the cause of the stampede in Okija continue.
