A tragic stampede during a rice distribution event in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, claimed the lives of 22 people on Saturday.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga.
The victims were attending a rice-sharing program organized by the Obijackson Foundation, a charitable initiative led by entrepreneur Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson.
The crowd reportedly surged during the distribution, leading to the deadly stampede.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono, visited the hospital where the victims were taken and confirmed the casualty figures.
He also noted that several others were injured, though specific details on their conditions were not provided.
The police chief extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He assured the public that investigations into the incident were ongoing to determine the cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In a statement, the police reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the state and responding promptly to emergencies.
This stampede follows other recent tragedies in Nigeria, including one in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 35 people—mostly children—died during a carnival, and another in Abuja, where 10 people lost their lives in a stampede at a church event.