A stampede during a rice distribution event in Okija, Anambra State, has reportedly claimed several lives, with victims primarily being women.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning and videos circulating on social media show lifeless bodies at the scene. Some injured victims have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Charles Aburime, chief press secretary to the Anambra governor, confirmed the tragedy, according to TheCable.
Mr Aburime said the state government was monitoring the situation and would issue a formal statement soon.
This is the second rice distribution-related stampede in 2024. Earlier in March, students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, died during a similar event.
The Anambra tragedy also comes just days after a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan claimed the lives of over 35 people, highlighting the urgent need for stricter crowd control measures at public events.
