By Straightnews
Amidst economic hardships, several lives were lost in stampedes during food distribution in Abuja and Anambra State.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the death of 10 individuals, including four children, in a stampede that occurred during a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja on Saturday.
Like a recurring decimal, a stampede in Okija, Anambra State, has claimed the lives of some individuals who went to collect food , according to Anambra police.
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Straightnews had reported that on December 18, 2024, a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s funfair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer Abuja, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident happened around 6:30 am when a crowd of over 1,000 people gathered to receive food items meant for the vulnerable and elderly.
Adeh noted that the police had successfully evacuated the scene and restored order.
The statement partly reads, “This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30am, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of 10 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 continue to receive medical care.
“The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.”
She said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has visited the injured at the hospital to offer support and ensure proper care.
Many perish in Anambra stampede
A similar incident also occurred at Okija, Ihiala local government area of Anambra State, at a palliative distribution set up by a philanthropist identified as Obi Jackson, which led to the death of several individuals.
Though the exact number of the deceased is not known as at the time of filing this report, the victims were mostly women were evacuated to the morgue.
Reacting to the reports, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, in a statement released said.
‘’Anambra State Police Operatives have taken over the scene in Okija where an alleged stampede occurred in the early hours of today 21/12/2024, that led to some persons being fatally wounded.
Preliminary information reveals that a known Philanthropist from the Okiaja Community, on his yearly schedule shares some palliatives to the members of the community to provide succour to the less privileged. Unfortunately, before the event could start, a large number of uncontrolled persons took over the event area which resulted in a stampede.
Stampede during food distribution that claims lives in Nigeria
Though the details of the affected persons as still sketchy, Police Operatives have taken over the scene for proper investigation, please”
