Dozens of residents in Okija, Anambra State, were feared dead on Saturday morning following a stampede at a rice-sharing event organized by the Obi Jackson Foundation.
The foundation, run by oil magnate Ernest Obiejesi, had announced plans to distribute rice to the less privileged in the spirit of the 2024 Christmas season.
Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as thousands of people gathered to receive the rice donations, with many ending up injured or killed. A witness told our source that “dozens of people were killed,” while videos from the event showed bodies, mostly of women, lying lifeless.
Injured participants were rushed to Our Lady’s Hospital in Okija, where medical staff are working to treat victims. However, the hospital’s spokesperson has not yet commented on the incident.
According to residents, thousands of 10-kilogram bags of rice were distributed during the event, but the overwhelming crowd meant that many only received small portions.
The annual Christmas charity event, organized by the Obi Jackson Foundation, has long been known for its efforts in supporting the less privileged through food distributions, children’s hospitals, and educational facilities in the region.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the matter is under investigation but declined to provide further details.
Confirming the development in Anambra, the spokesperson to the state’s governor, Charles Aburime, said the government would update the press after an investigation.
This tragedy follows a similar stampede earlier in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a Christmas charity event claimed the lives of 35 children.
