Many persons have reportedly died in Okija, Anambra State following a stampede during the distribution of rice ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The rice sharing is said to be an annual activity sponsored by Chief Obiejesi Azudialu, popularly known as Obi Jackson Foundation.
Obiejesi, an indigene of Okija is the Chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Nestoil and Founder of Obijackson Foundation.
Though the exact number of casualty is yet to be confirmed at the time of filing this report, a source said over 40 people mostly women died in the stampede.
A video corroborating the incident which is making its round on social media showed dead bodies of women, young and matured lying on the ground.
The male voice in the video said, “These are dead bodies of people that went to share Obi Jackson rice. These people lying here are dead, including pregnant woman… We are in Our Ladies compound. Many were also injured.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached for confirmation.