According to a Vanguard Newspaper article, the holiday season has been tainted by tragedy because of a terrible stampede that killed several people during the Christmas rice distribution in Anambra and Abuja. The events, which happened on the same day, have shocked the country, and many people are demanding further steps to stop disasters like this from happening again.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In Anambra, the stampede occurred at Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, where officials of the Obijackson Foundation were distributing Christmas rice to the needy. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many victims succumbing to injuries sustained during the stampede. According to reports, at least 17 people died in the stampede, while several others sustained injuries.
The victims, mostly women and youths, had gathered at the distribution center as early as 5 a.m., waiting for the distribution to begin. However, the crowd became uncontrollable when the distribution began, leading to the stampede. The dead bodies, including pregnant women, were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, where they were confirmed dead.
In Abuja, the stampede occurred during palliative distribution at a church, where over 3,000 people had gathered to receive relief items. The incident occurred between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., when the crowd surged forward, resulting in the deaths of 10 people, including children. Many attendees arrived as early as 4 a.m., hoping to secure their share of the palliatives.
The National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, confirmed the tragic development, noting that the palliative distribution had been suspended. The incidents have sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for greater measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The authorities have launched investigations into the incidents, with a view to determining the causes of the stampedes and preventing similar incidents in the future.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
