A stampede at the Obijackson Centre in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, has reportedly left several people dead and others injured.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, December 21, 2024, during the distribution of palliatives, including rice, vegetable oil, and money, donated by a community member, Chief Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson.
Eyewitnesses reported that the victims, mostly women and children, were caught in the chaos as a large and uncontrollable crowd surged toward the venue’s entrance. Many individuals collapsed during the stampede, with some rushed to the hospital.
An unofficial source noted that one critically injured woman was taken to the hospital but could not confirm if she survived. Shoes and slippers belonging to the victims were seen scattered around the entrance gate, a stark reminder of the pandemonium.
Despite the incident, calm has reportedly been restored, and the distribution of palliatives has resumed. Further details are expected as investigations into the cause of the stampede continue.
This is a developing story.
