Victims of Okija rice stampede buried in Anambra

The dead victims in a stampede early morning before a Christmas rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, have been buried. 21 people, mostly women and children reportedly lost their lives in the tragic incident on Dec. 21, 2024 before the start of the palliative distribution, donated by a notable member of the community, Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi.

It was done through his Foundation, the Obijackson Foundation.

The inter-denominational burial service for the victims held at the St. Mary’s Field, Okija, on Friday, had families of the victims, survivors, community members and other notable personalities of the community in attendance in the low-key event.

The event was held by the Okija community.

During the service, Bishop Rommy Nzomiwu, chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Okija Zone, who anchored his lesson from the book of Revelation 21:1-8, asked the Almighty God to console everybody that lost their loved and ones and prayed that such would not occur again in the community.

Nzomiwu said, “We ask God to wipe away every tears and console the families of the deceased. We pray such accident will not occur in Okija again. Okija mourns, Anambra mourns and Nigeria mourns.

“Nobody would hear such tragic news and not feel sober. Only the Lord can console those who lost their loved ones and we pray the Lord will continue to comfort the families of the victims.”

During his sermon, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese Rtd, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ralph Okafor, who read from the book of Psalms 23, urged the families of the victims to move and continue to look into God for consolation, saying, “Past is past, we must move on.”

The Chairman of Dozzy Group of Companies, Daniel Chukwudozie, consoled the victims and donated the sum of N10million to them.

While mourning the victims, the Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, Chief Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, thanked the traditional ruler of the community and other members of the community for their support and show of love.

Azudialu-Obiejesi said, “Today, we gather here with heavy hearts to honour the memory of those we lost in the tragedy that happened on December 21 in the community. I, as the founder of the Obijackson Foundation sincerely express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Okija community for the incident.

“The foundation remains steadfast in its resolve to human development; this incident has strengthened our resolve to ensure that such tragedy will not occur again. Let this tragedy bring us closer and make us stronger as a community and have a resolve to forge ahead.

“This kind of tragedy can deter you from engaging in service, but we as a foundation, we are going to continue to ensure that we do everything that God has empowered us to do to ensure that Okija never suffers this kind of calamity again.

“We are humbled and reminded of the importance of doing good. We are taking decisive actions and our resolve to serve Okija people will remain steadfast. Together, we will rebuild, together, we will make Okija a safer place where you will always eat and remember your brothers and sisters.

“The Obijackson Foundation will continue to do good. As the founder of the foundation, we have done this for 15 years and I assure you, we will continue to bring succour and love to Okija. May all those families that lost their loved ones continue to relate and we will support them with all the things they deserve.”

In his speech, the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emeka Okezie, urged the foundation to continue in its philanthropic gestures as these have impacted positively on the community and the lives of the people.

Some of the victims, who spoke at the event, expressed sadness over what happened, while calling on the Almighty God to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest.