A stampede in Okija, Anambra State, has claimed the lives of 40 individuals after a prominent resident offered food items as a Christmas gift, attracting an overwhelming crowd today December 21.
The number of deceased have risen to over 20 from sources . The deceased who were mostly women have been evacuated to morgue.
This comes days after 35 children died at a Christmas funfair stampede in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Reacting to the reports, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, in a statement released said
‘’Anambra State Police Operatives have taken over the scene in Okija where an alleged stampede occurred in the early hours of today 21/12/2024, that led to some persons being fatally wounded.
Preliminary information reveals that a known Philanthropist from the Okiaja Community, on his yearly schedule shares some palliatives to the members of the community to provide succour to the less privileged. Unfortunately, before the event could start, a large number of uncontrolled persons took over the event area which resulted in a stampede.
Though the details of the affected persons as still sketchy, Police Operatives have taken over the scene for proper investigation.
