The police in Anambra State on Sunday said 22 people were killed on Saturday during a stampede in Okija, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
Police spokesman in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday morning.
Recall that some people were killed during the stampede in the community on Saturday.
Residents had gone to take part in the sharing of bags of rice donated by a philanthropist through a foundation when the incident happened.
The event was organised by the Obijackson Foundation, founded by an entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson.
However, Mr Ikenga, said the State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono, confirmed the casualty figure when he visited the hospital where the victims were taken to.
Mr Obono also said other people were injured during the stampede, but did not give details.
He commiserated with the families and friends of the deceased and wished those injured a quick recovery.
He said investigation into the “unfortunate incident” was still ongoing.
“The Police Command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra on crime prevention, responding promptly and effectively to emergencies, protecting vulnerable populations and fostering a sense of security and community,” he added.
The latest tragedy occurred days after 35 people, mostly children, died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Also, the incident happened the same day a similar stampede occurred at a Catholic church in Abuja, which claimed at least 10 people

The spot where the deadly stampede occurred in the outskirts of Okija, a town in the Ihiala Local government area of Anambra state.