The police in Anambra State have confirmed that 22 people lost their lives on Saturday during a stampede in Okija, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in the state, shared the tragic update in a statement on Sunday morning.
Residents had gathered to receive bags of rice donated by a philanthropist through the Obijackson Foundation, an initiative founded by entrepreneur Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson.
During the distribution, chaos ensued, leading to the deadly stampede.
The casualty figures were verified by State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono, who visited the hospital where the victims were taken.
Mr. Ikenga noted that, in addition to the confirmed deaths, several others were injured, though no specific details on the injuries were provided.
The police chief expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery. Investigations into the incident are still underway.
“The Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra, with a focus on crime prevention, responding to emergencies, protecting vulnerable populations, and fostering a sense of community security,” the statement concluded.