Tragedy struck on Saturday morning as stampedes during rice distribution events claimed lives in Okija, Anambra State, and the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In Okija, Anambra State, no fewer than 17 residents reportedly lost their lives during the rice-sharing programme.
The victims, mostly women, were said to have gathered in large numbers when the incident occurred.
Several videos circulating on social media showed lifeless bodies sprawled on the ground, while others were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Confirming the incident, Charles Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, said the government was monitoring the situation and would issue an official statement shortly.
This unfortunate event marks the second rice distribution-related tragedy in 2024. In March, a similar stampede at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, claimed the lives of several students during a rice distribution exercise by the state government.
In another tragic incident on the same day, a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, led to the deaths of ten people, including four children, while eight others sustained injuries.
The stampede occurred during the annual distribution of rice and other palliatives organised by the church.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh.
“This tragic event, which happened at about 6:30 a.m., led to a stampede that claimed the lives of ten (10) individuals, including four (4) children, and left eight (8) others with varying degrees of injuries. Four (4) of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are receiving medical care,” Adeh stated.
The FCT Police Command has now directed all organisers of public events or charitable activities to notify the Police in advance for adequate security deployment to prevent such incidents.
“This will allow the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organisers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from their negligence,” the statement added.
Saturday’s twin tragedies have cast a sombre mood across the nation, with calls growing for improved safety measures during public gatherings to prevent future occurrences.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.
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