Not Less Than 20 Persons Died in Anambra Free Rice Sharing Stampede In Okija

Residents of Okija community in Anambra state were on Saturday thrown into mourning following death of yet-to-be confirmed numbers of lives in a stampede.

The stampede reportedly occurred in the morning during an event for the distribution of rice.

Viral videos show lifeless bodies, mostly women laying on the ground after the incident, while some of the victims have reportedly been taken to nearby hospitals

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Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime confirmed the incident, saying the government was monitoring the situation and would soon release a statement.

We gathered that the  stampede that occurred at the gate of the Obijackson Centre, in Okija, in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday during the sharing of palliatives including rice, vegetable oil and money.

It was gathered that victims were mostly women and children who were gathered at the gate, struggling to gain entrance amid a very large and uncontrollable crowd.

Eyewitnesses at the venue said many collapsed and were rushed to the hospital with a woman critically injured.

An unofficial source said among the victims, was a woman who slumped during the stampede and was rushed to the hospital, but it has yet to be confirmed if she survived or not.

Numerous shoes and slippers belonging to the victims were scattered at the entrance gate of the venue.

We also gathered that calm was restored, and the distribution of palliatives resumed.