Kehinde Fajobi
At least 27 lives were lost and many others sustained injuries in two separate stampedes in Anambra and Abuja on Saturday.
The first incident occurred in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, where 17 people were confirmed dead during a Christmas rice distribution by the Obijackson Foundation.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday at one of the Foundation’s facilities in Amarata, Ohalegbu village, Okija.
The annual event, which draws large crowds from Ihiala and neighbouring communities, turned deadly when the distribution process became chaotic.
Eyewitnesses reported that women and youths began gathering as early as 5 a.m., eager to receive the rice.
However, as the distribution began, the crowd surged forward uncontrollably, resulting in the fatal stampede.
Victims were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala, where the dead were placed in the mortuary.
A viral video showed bodies, including those of pregnant women, scattered around the hospital vicinity, with some people attempting to revive the unconscious.
Relatives of the victims were seen wailing at the hospital, mourning the tragic loss.
As at the time of filing this report, the state police command has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
The Obijackson Foundation, known for its yearly charitable distributions, has yet to comment on the stampede.
Meanwhile, another stampede claimed at least 10 lives, including children, and left many injured during a palliative distribution at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, on the same day.
The Abuja event, organised by the church to provide relief to struggling residents, drew over 3,000 people from settlements such as Mpape and Gishiri Village.
Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the incident. “Yes, it’s true, but with sketchy details,” he said, according to Vanguard.
Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede occurred between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., as thousands scrambled for palliatives.
“Ten people have been reported dead, including children,” said a mother of five at the scene. “Over 3,000 people came out to receive the palliative. It’s unfortunate. May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm.”
A combined team of police, soldiers, and DSS officers was deployed to restore order and disperse the crowd.
The church premises, initially teeming with anxious beneficiaries, were cleared following the suspension of the distribution.
These tragedies follow a similar incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier this week, where a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed at least 35 lives and critically injured six others.
The Ibadan event, held at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, attracted over 5,000 children and turned fatal as attendees rushed to collect food and gifts.