Nigeria has been hit by two devastating stampedes in the space of a week, resulting in the loss of at least 22 lives and leaving dozens more injured. The incidents occurred in Anambra and Abuja, and have raised serious concerns about the safety and organization of large-scale events.

In Anambra, at least 12 people lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a Christmas rice distribution event in Okija town, Ihiala Local Government Area. The event, which was organized by philanthropist Chief Earnest Obiejesi, also known as Obi Jackson, was intended to provide relief to vulnerable members of the community. However, the crowd became uncontrollable, leading to a stampede that resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injured over 32 others.

“It is not our brother Obi Jackson who caused their deaths, but the crowd that refused to comport themselves,” said Uchenna, a son of the town. “The bags of rice I saw could take care of everyone and even more people, but due to the hunger in the land, most people feared that the rice might not reach them. This led to the tragic incident, and it is very unfortunate.”

In Abuja, a similar incident occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, where a stampede during a food distribution event resulted in the loss of 10 lives, including four children. The incident happened around 7:00 am when a crowd of over 3,000 people surged forward to collect food items.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that 10 people lost their lives in the stampede, although the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear.

The Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochikwu Ikenga, also confirmed the incident in Okija, stating that police operatives have taken over the scene and are investigating the cause of the stampede.

These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and organization of large-scale events, particularly those involving the distribution of food and other essential items. As the investigation into the incidents continues, many are left to mourn the loss of life and to question how such tragedies could have occurred.

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