The Anambra State Police Command reported that 22 individuals lost their lives in a stampede that occurred on Saturday in the Ihiala Local Government Area. The state government expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.
Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam shared the death toll after visiting victims receiving treatment at a local hospital. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those injured a swift recovery.
Police spokesman SP Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing. He assured the public that the police are committed to safeguarding the community through effective crime prevention and emergency response.
Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo also expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected, particularly those of women, the elderly, nursing mothers, and children who perished in the stampede. His sentiments were conveyed through a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime.
The governor noted that the tragic event occurred during a distribution organized by the Obi Jackson Foundation, led by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, aimed at providing relief materials to the less fortunate during the festive season. He emphasized the need for a safer and more structured approach to such distributions in the future.
In response to the tragedy, the Anambra State Government has launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the stampede and will collaborate with relevant agencies to address any safety protocol failures.
Governor Soludo urged charitable organizations to prioritize the safety of beneficiaries in their efforts, recommending that future distributions employ organized and decentralized methods. These could include multiple distribution points to alleviate crowding, prioritizing vulnerable groups, utilizing trained personnel for crowd management, and promoting public awareness on safety measures during such events.
