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TRAGEDY! How Mothers, Children, Others Lost Their Lives During Free Food Sharing Event In Anambra, Ibadan, Abuja, IGP Orders Probe

TRAGEDY! How Mothers, Children, Others Lost Their Lives During Free Food Sharing Event In Anambra, Ibadan, Abuja, IGP Orders Probe

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, has ordered an investigation after three different stampede incidents occurred in Ibadan, Okija (Anambra state), and Abuja.

Tragedy struck on the morning of Wednesday, December 18, at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo state, as a stampede occurred during a children’s Christmas party, resulting in the deaths of over 35 children.

The party was organised by Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, led by Oriyomi Hamzat, in collaboration with the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, prophetess Naomi Silekunola.

Eyewitnesses report that many children were trampled in the chaos, with several others injured and currently receiving treatment at the University College Hospital in Ibadan.

On Saturday, December 21, two stampede incidents also occurred in the Okija community of Anambra and the Maitama area of Abuja during distribution of rice and other relief materials.

A stampede during a rice-sharing event in Okija community, Anambra State, has reportedly left several residents feared dead.

The incident occurred on Saturday when a large crowd gathered to receive free bags of rice to the residents.

According to unconfirmed reports, over 20 persons reportedly died in the Anambra incident while 10 persons were confirmed dead in the incident at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.

In a video posted by Arinzechukwu Nwanonenyi on Facebook obtained by SaharaReporters, a witness expressed sorrow over the incident at Okija in Anambra South, where a stampede reportedly claimed the lives of several women.

It was gathered that some women had gathered to collect their share of rice distributed by a philanthropist at his Okija home.

“It’s a pity. Poverty is terrible. Assuming these women who met their untimely deaths were not poor, they would not have been there in the first place. God have mercy, and may their souls rest in peace. Amen,”

Nwanonenyi said.

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In a statement on Saturday, Dec. 21, Egbetokun warned organisers of events that negligence on their part is criminal.

The IGP said the “lack of a well defined plan” for the distribution of palliatives in the county has led to chaos and unnecessary confrontations.

Egbetokun asked commissioners of police in the affected states to “carry out thorough investigations into these ugly incidents for further legal actions”.

The statement reads:

“In light of these developments, the IGP has called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives.

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“The IGP has hereby warned groups and organizers of similar events to ensure the involvement of security agencies as negligence on their part is criminal and would not be overlooked, as provided for in Sec. 196 of the Penal Code and Sec. 344 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“In addition, the IGP has encouraged the general public who would want to benefit from such distributions to tread with caution, prioritizing their safety, to avoid unforeseen calamities.”

However, last night, December 22, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Itam, has put the death toll recorded at the stampede at 22.

In a statement released yesterday  the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the CP confirmed 22 as the number of those who died after visiting those injured during the sad incident at the hospitals were they were receiving medical attention.

Ikenga said CP Itam was saddened over the tragic stampede in Okija, Ihiala local government area of the State, and regrettably stated that “twenty-two people lost their lives.”

He said the State Police boss expressed his sympathy with families and friends of the deceased, and wished the injured a quick recovery.

The Police image-maker further said that investigation into the unfortunate incident was still ongoing and assured that the Police Command remained dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra on crime prevention, responding promptly and effectively to emergencies, protecting vulnerable populations and foster a sense of security and community.

The incident depicted the dire economic struggles faced by many in the States in Nigeria.

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