Several individuals sustained injuries on Saturday following a reported stampede in Anambra State.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in Okija.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the stampede took place during an annual event organized by a well-known philanthropist from the Okija community. The event involved the distribution of palliatives aimed at providing relief to the less privileged members of the community, according to the police statement.
“Unfortunately, before the event could start, a large number of uncontrolled persons took over the event area which resulted in a stampede,” the police statement said.
However, in the video later seen by Channels Television, the victims were seen lying on the floor beside coffins almost lifeless.
Our correspondent could not at the time of filing the report, state the reason for the many coffins seen in the video.
However, a male voice who recorded the video was heard saying “These are people who went to share rice at Obi Jackson’s House. We are at Our Ladies now. They were trampled to death. Look at them, they went to get a share of Obi Jackson’s rice and they were trampled to death. Look at them, including women. They were trampled to death. This person is dead. It’s happening now. Look at many dead bodies everywhere. They are at Our Ladies now. Just watch and see. There are many of them, even pregnant women are among them. It’s happening now, 21st December, it’s an abomination. Look at them, they are still bringing more people. They said some are still unconscious and they are bringing them too. It’s an abomination.”
Our Ladies, a well-known hospital in Ihiala, has become the center of attention following a tragic incident. Approximately 15 bodies were seen lying on the floor, with cries of anguish heard in the background.
While details about the victims remain unclear, the police confirmed that their operatives have secured the scene to commence a thorough investigation.
This heartbreaking event comes just days after a similar tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair claimed the lives of at least 35 children and left six others critically injured.