A stampede at the gate of the Charity Event at the Obijackson Centre in Amanranta, Okija, Ihiala LGA of Anambra State claimed the lives of 15 people and injured many more.
The stampede, which occurred at the location of the palliatives distribution, comprising 25kg sacks of rice, vegetable oil, and money, was attributed to insufficient crowd control.
The victims, primarily old ladies and children, were trampled as they attempted to gain entry into a massive and unruly crowd.
Observers reported that several shoes and slippers belonging to the victims were thrown on the ground in front of the gate as security operatives fought to control the swelling mob, who were still forcing to gain entrance.
Despite the stampede and sad incident, the foundation continued to provide palliatives, with people receiving 25kg bags of rice, vegetable oil, noodles, and cash.
The palliatives were supplied by a prominent community member, Chief Ernest Obiejesi (Obijackson), on behalf of the Obijackson Foundation.
This is an annual exercise conducted by the foundation to celebrate Christmas with the community.
According to eyewitnesses at the event, many people who collapsed were sent to the hospital, while those who died were transferred to the morgue.
They also stated that a woman had died in front of the gate with her baby before her husband arrived.
An eyewitness, who wanted not to be identified, stated, “The stampede erupted at approximately 7.45 a.m. when the arena’s gate was ready to be opened because many people battled to obtain inside. Many individuals, especially the elderly and children, were stomped on. Many collapsed and were badly injured, and others died before being transported to the hospital.
“A mother lay dead in front of the gate, her small child tied to her back. Fortunately, the infant remained alive. When the husband came, he snatched the child and left the scene.
“The reason for this is poverty and the high price of rice. If this were not the case, the sad situation would not have occurred.
Another source on the scene said the throng grew uncontrolled as security personnel attempted to handle them, resulting in the stampede.
He stated, “The mob at the gate was simply too large to handle, and it took reinforcement from security personnel before normalcy was restored. I counted around ten lifeless bodies as they were loaded into ambulances provided by the organisers.
“The deceased victims were carried to the morgue by ambulances provided by the foundation, while the injured victims were transported to various neighboring hospitals for treatment. We discovered that the morgue could not accept all of the lifeless bodies brought in.
The Obijackson Foundation condemned the event and expressed condolences to the departed families, as well as the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.
A top foundation official, who requested anonymity, said the foundation was deeply saddened by the unfortunate tragedy that occurred during its annual rice-sharing event at the Amaranta Stadium in Okija on Saturday morning.
