(Updated) Another Fatal Stampede Claims 20 lives in Anambra

A stampede at an event in Okija, Anambra State, has tragically claimed the lives of at least 20 residents. The incident occurred on Saturday during a rice distribution event aimed at assisting the community.

This is following the recent report of stampede incident in Abuja today.

Social media footage from the scene shows several lifeless bodies lying on the ground, with witnesses describing the scene as chaotic. The stampede has sent shockwaves through the community, as people gathered to receive aid were caught in the surge of the crowd.

Charles Aburime, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State, confirmed the tragic event, adding that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and would provide a formal statement soon.

This incident follows a similar tragedy just days ago in Ibadan, Oyo State, where over 35 people, including many children, lost their lives during a stampede at a carnival. The recent wave of stampede-related deaths has raised concerns about the safety measures in place during such large gatherings.

The spokesman of the command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, who spoke on behalf of the CP, said in a statement that the investigation into the unfortunate incident was still ongoing.

He assured that the police command remained dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra through crime prevention, prompt and effective emergency response, protection of vulnerable population, and fostering a sense of security and community.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, especially the women, the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.
The governor’s condolences were conveyed in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime.
The statement said that, according to available information, the state government acknowledged that the Obi Jackson Foundation, led by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, had organised the event with the noble intention of sharing relief materials with less privileged members of the community during the festive season.
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According to the governor, the resulting tragedy underscored the urgent need for a more structured and safer approach to distributing such assistance.

“The Anambra State Government, in response to 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,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the state government has also urged all well-meaning individuals and organisations engaged in charitable activities to prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries.

Soludo 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 method may include establishing multiple distribution points within the community to reduce overcrowding at a single location; implementing a system to prioritize 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,” he added.