By Chinemelu Okafor
Tragedy struck on December 20th, 2024, at Obijackson's Estate in Amaranta Umuzu Okija, as a stampede during a Christmas rice distribution claimed the lives of about 20 women. While many others were hospitalized with injuries, the deceased were taken to the mortuary at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Odoata Ihiala.
Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede occurred as women struggled to obtain bags of rice. The incident plunged Okija town into mourning, with many families losing mothers, daughters, and relatives.
A resident of Ubahu Okija, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude that his wife, who had gone to collect the rice palliative, was unharmed. "I thank God she's safe," he said.
Others in the community shared their thoughts on the tragic incident. Mr. Echezona Nwadialor from Ogboro umunwaji Ihiala cautioned against attributing the incident to rituals, saying that sometimes such events can occur coincidentally. Ubaka Ezeobi described the incident as "really terrible."
Mrs. Ebele Okeke from Umuhu Okija attributed the tragedy to economic hardship, urging the government not to ignore the struggles of the people. "What happened today was a result of economic hardship," she said.
The Christmas palliative distribution, which led to the tragic incident, was an annual initiative by Chief Ernest Azudiolu Obiejesi, CEO of Obijackson's Group, aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship on the people of Okija.
* Okafor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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