ANAMBRA: Twenty – Seven residents of Okija community in Anambra State have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede.
The stampede occurred on Saturday morning during a Christmas rice distribution event organized by a foundation to support the less privileged.
The annual charity event was coordinated by a philanthropist and Chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ernest Obiejesi, known as Obijackson.
It was learnt that the rush for the rice by desperate locals coupled with the overwhelming crowd caused the deadly stampede.
Multiple trending social media videos sighted show remains of the victims on the ground after the fatal incident.
Charles Aburime, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, confirmed the incident.
Aburime reportedly said the state government was monitoring the development and would soon release a statement.
The came few days after over 35 people, who are largely children, died during a stampede at a funfair carnival in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
