By Pedro Ayobami
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The tragic incident at the Christmas rice-sharing event in Okija, Anambra, has sparked widespread grief and concern among stakeholders in the state. The stampede, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the loss of 22 lives, with many more injured.
Chief Barth Nwibe, a leading governorship aspirant in Anambra, described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and a stark reflection of the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. Nwibe emphasized that the victims should not be blamed for their plight, as they were simply trying to feed their families.
Other stakeholders, including Chief Akai Egwuonwu, Managing Director of Stine Mill Industries, and Chief Uzo Obi, Managing Director and CEO of Jozo Environmental Services Limited, also expressed their condolences and called for safety measures to be prioritized during public gatherings.
Egwuonwu stressed the importance of effective crowd management and safety protocols during charitable distributions, while Obi noted the need for economic empowerment to foster self-reliance among citizens.
The Anambra Police Command has confirmed the casualty figure and is investigating the incident. The Obijackson Foundation, which organized the event, has also been urged not to be discouraged by the tragedy but to continue offering support to those in need.
The incident has highlighted the need for increased safety measures and economic empowerment in the state. As stakeholders continue to mourn the loss of lives, they are also calling for action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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