By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
AT least 57 lives have been lost during the sharing of food and palliative items in three separate incidents that occurred in three states of the federation.
The incidents happened during the sharing of food items, a regular feature at Christmas and New Year festivities. The philanthropic gestures turned awry when the crowd that had gathered became uncontrollable and the ensuing stampedes claimed the lives of people, including minors and the elderly at the separate venues.
On Saturday, about ten people were feared stampeded to death, while eight others were injured during distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly persons in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
This is just as 12 people were confirmed dead in Okija town, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State the same day as they were scrambling for Christmas rice.
Nationalwatch Tv reports that the twin incidents came on the heels of the stampede that happened on Wednesday when thousands of people turned up for a Christmas funfair party where free food items were promised to be shared in Ibadan, Oyo State. In the stampede that occurred before the commencement of the event, 35 people, mostly minors, were crushed to death.
At the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, where the Saturday incident happened in Abuja, the FCT Police Command disclosed that the distribution of food at the vent focused on the vulnerable and elderly people
In a statement issued to newsmen by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, was quoted as saying: “This tragic event, which happened at about 6:30 am, led to a stampede that claimed the lives of ten individuals, including four children, and left eight others with varying degrees of injuries.
“Four of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are receiving medical care.”
To prevent a recurrence of the unfortunate incidents, the command directed that any organisations or individuals planning any large public gathering must notify it in advance, adding that “this will allow the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.”
In Okija town, it was gathered that event, where about 32 other people were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries, was organised by a philanthropist, Chief Earnest Obiejesi, also known as Obi Jackson.
It was gathered that the event was an annual tradition for him during most festive seasons as it is part of his foundation’s (Obijackson Foundation) effort to assist his kinsmen.
According to eyewitnesses, the distribution drive, which usually culminates in a large carnival, turned awry when the surging crowd became uncontrollable, leading to a stampede that claimed lives.
A resident of the town, who identified himself as Uchenna, said: “It is not our brother Obi Jackson who caused their deaths, but the people that refused to comport themselves. The bags of rice I saw could take care of everyone and more, but due to the hunger in the land, most people feared that the rice might not reach them. This led to the tragic incident, and it is very unfortunate.”
Another resident, Mrs Maria up Okonkwo, who was heading to the venue, said: “The number of people was overwhelming, and more people were still arriving to take part in the rice distribution when people started shouting.
“The organisers were busy trying to control the crowd, but there was little they could do as the crowd overpowered them. Some people chose to carry as many bags as possible, and when others fell, they were trampled by the surging crowd, leading to the deaths of several individuals.
“I cannot say exactly how many people died, but it could be around ten or 13. However, those who were injured are more than 30, and about six people fainted.”
A sister of one of the deceased, Mrs Rose Okoli, revealed that her sister died while struggling to feed them.
“She is yet to marry. We hope the philanthropist would assist us to give her a befitting burial. May her soul rest in perfect peace, amen,” she said.
One of the survivors, Ms Agnes Emelu, thanked God for saving her life, noting that the incident wouldn’t have happened if the distribution was properly coordinated by the assigned organisers.
“We need help at the moment. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo should urgently intervene in this matter. We need help,” Emelu said.
Another survivor, Mrs Oge Samuel, who was revived by local first aid, appealed to the government to urgently address the economic challenges.
Nationalwatch Tv also gathered that at about 4:09 pm, normalcy had been restored at the scene and distribution of the rice resumed.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochikwu Ikenga, in a statement issued on Saturday confirmed that police operatives had taken over the scene in Okija.
According to him, before the event could start, a large and uncontrolled crowd took over the event area, resulting in the stampede.
Ikenga also said that the details of the affected persons were still sketchy, adding that further details would be communicated.
Reacting to the incident, Obijackson Foundation, the organiser of the event bemoaned the tragedy and commiserated with the bereaved families and the people of the state.
A top member of the foundation, who craved anonymity, said foundation expressed deep sorrow over the tragic because it broke the organisers’ heart.
“This tragedy breaks our hearts. The annual rice-sharing event is a labour of love aimed at bringing joy and relief to those in need. That it resulted in such sorrow is devastating beyond words,” he said.
The foundation pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy thoroughly and to implement enhanced safety measures for future events.
“We humbly seek the understanding of our community as we reflect on this painful moment. This setback will not deter us from our mission to serve the vulnerable and uplift those in need. We will learn from this experience and strive to do better,” he said.
The foundation also commended the swift response of security personnel and rescue workers, whose efforts helped to mitigate the impact of the incident.
It also reiterated its commitment to supporting those affected and continuing its charitable endeavours in more controlled and secure ways.
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