The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that 22 people died in a tragic stampede that occurred on Saturday in the Ihiala Local Government Area.
The stampede happened during a rice distribution event organized by the Obi Jackson Foundation, led by Chief Ernest Obiejesi.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, confirmed the death toll after visiting the hospital where the injured were being treated. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, police spokesperson SP Ikenga Tochukwu stated that an investigation into the incident was underway.
He assured the public that the police were committed to ensuring the safety of Anambra residents and would continue to improve emergency response efforts and community security.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, particularly the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.
The governor acknowledged that the event, organized with the noble intention of helping the less privileged during the festive season, had resulted in an unfortunate tragedy.
In response, Governor Soludo emphasized the need for a more structured and safer approach to such charitable activities.
He announced that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the causes of the stampede and hold those responsible accountable.
“The Anambra State Government, in response to the incident, has initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede. The government will work closely with relevant agencies to determine the root causes of this unfortunate event and ensure that any negligence or lapses in safety protocols are duly addressed,” he stated.
The state government also urged future charitable organizations to prioritize safety and ensure proper crowd control measures. Soludo recommended decentralizing relief distributions to avoid overcrowding, prioritizing vulnerable groups, employing trained personnel for crowd management, and running public awareness campaigns on safety protocols.