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BREAKING: Rice Distribution Turns Deadly In Anambra As Stampede Claims Lives
The distribution, meant to alleviate economic hardship, spiraled out of control
Awka, Anambra State – Tragedy struck on Saturday when a rice distribution event in the Okija community turned into a fatal stampede, leaving several residents feared dead.
Afrika Eyes gathered that the crowd gathered to receive free bags of rice distributed by Obijackson, a prominent philanthropist in the area.
The distribution, meant to alleviate economic hardship, spiraled out of control, resulting in the deaths of multiple women, according to eyewitness accounts.
A resident, Arinzechukwu Nwanonenyi, shared his grief on Facebook, lamenting the incident and highlighting the devastating impact of poverty in the community.
“It’s a pity. Poverty is terrible. Assuming these women who met their untimely deaths were not poor, they would not have been there in the first place. God have mercy, and may their souls rest in peace. Amen,” Nwanonenyi said.
Anambra Government have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties.
However, the event disclosed the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, where rising inflation and unemployment have left many families struggling to survive.
Afrika Eyes had earlier reported that the Oyo State Government has confirmed the arrest of the organisers of a children’s party in Ibadan that turned deadly, resulting in the deaths of several attendees, mostly children.
It was gathered that the incident occurred during a festive event organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat.
The event, which was meant to bring joy to families, descended into chaos as a stampede broke out, leaving many children trampled and injured.
Governor Seyi Makinde, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed his condolences to the affected families and announced that the primary organisers of the event have been taken into custody.
Meanwhile, several injured victims are currently receiving treatment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the disaster.
