22 Killed in Stampede During Rice Distribution in Okija, Anambra State

• A stampede in Okija, Anambra State, resulted in 22 fatalities on Saturday.
• The incident occurred during a rice distribution event organized by the Obijackson Foundation.
• Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the casualty figure, and the Commissioner of Police visited the hospital where victims were taken.
• The police are investigating the incident, with ongoing efforts to ensure safety and prevent future emergencies.

On Saturday, a stampede in the Okija community, located in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, claimed the lives of 22 individuals. The tragic event occurred during a rice distribution organized by the Obijackson Foundation, led by entrepreneur Ernest Obiejesi, also known as Obijackson.

The distribution, intended to provide bags of rice donated by a philanthropist, quickly turned chaotic, leading to the fatal stampede. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the death toll, and the State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono, visited the hospital where the victims were taken. While additional injuries were reported, further details on the injured were not immediately provided.

The police chief expressed condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Anambra residents, with efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.