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The death toll from the tragic stampede during a palliative distribution event in Okija, Anambra state, has risen to 22, according to the state Police Command.
Initially, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, reported three fatalities on Saturday.
However, conflicting figures continue to emerge, with eyewitnesses claiming the death toll could exceed 40.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ikenga confirmed the revised figure, noting that several victims remain hospitalized in the Ihiala Local Government Area, battling for survival.
Anambra state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has launched an investigation into the incident to determine its cause.
While visiting the victims with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, the governor described the incident as regrettable and expressed condolences to the affected families.
The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, also visited the victims in the hospital and extended his sympathies to the bereaved.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, observed that 22 people lost their lives and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Ndi Anambra,” Ikenga said in the statement.
The tragic incident occurred during a rice-sharing event organized by a foundation led by Chief Ernest Obiejesi to support the less privileged during the festive season.
Governor Soludo, through his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, emphasized the need for a more structured and safer approach to distributing relief materials to prevent such tragedies.
The governor mourned the loss of women, children, the elderly, and nursing mothers who were among the victims, describing the event as a heartbreaking loss for the community.
“The Anambra 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.
“Meanwhile, the State Government has also implored all well-meaning individuals and organisations engaged in charitable activities to prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries.
“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”
Meanwhile, Udeze described the incident as unfortunate and disheartening.
Commiserating with the families of the deceased, Udeze noted with sadness that the ugly incident coincided with the Yuletide celebration, while praying God to console the affected families.
The Speaker’s statement was signed by his chief press secretary, Emma Madu and made available to reporters, Sunday in Awka
The Speaker while commending the genuine intention of the Chief Executive Officer of Obi Jackson Foundation, Chief Ernest Obiejesi for organizing the charity event, called for proper event and crowd management by groups and individuals to forestall future occurrence.
He expressed gratitude to the State Government for it prompt reaction to the incident by initiating a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede with a view to ensuring proper safety during public events.
He prayed God to grant the souls of those who died in the tragic stampede in Okija eternal rest, wished the injured persons quick recovery.
