By Kenneth Udeh, Anambra
No fewer than 20 women have been confirmed dead and scores seriously injured in Okija, Anambra State, on Saturday during the annual rice-sharing donation to the less privileged reportedly organised by the ObiJackson Foundation, founded by Obi Jackson, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nestoil.
Among the dead is reportedly a pregnant woman. There are also reports that children are among the casualties, though this is yet to be ascertained as the victims have been rushed to the hospital.
Tragedy struck in the early hours of Saturday morning as the mammoth crowd that surged towards the venue to get their share of the Yuletide giveaway became uncontrollable, resulting in the deaths of no fewer than 20 nursing mothers and elderly women.
The event, which is an annual exercise to assist the less privileged, saw the attendance of thousands due to the challenging economic situation but turned tragic when a stampede broke out, causing chaos and resulting in the deaths of many.
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Though reports are still unfolding, a video footage currently trending on X (formerly Twitter) shows dead bodies of the victims littered across the bare floor in an undisclosed mortuary, while the voice behind the video narrated the sad event.
Recall that a similar incident occurred in Oyo State, where over 30 children died.
Already, the Oyo State Government has announced the arrest of the organisers of a children’s party in Ibadan, which led to the death of about 30 children.
The deadly stampede occurred at a children’s Christmas party in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The incident took place on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan.
It is understood that the party was organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.
Confirming the development, Governor Seyi Makinde said the main organisers have been taken into custody. He also disclosed in a statement that the government has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter.