Another devastating stampede occurred on Saturday morning in Okija community, Anambra state, during a rice distribution event, leaving an unconfirmed number of residents dead.
The victims of the stampede are mostly women, with viral social media videos showing lifeless bodies on the ground after the incident.
According to reports, some victims have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
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Charles Aburime, the chief press secretary to the Anambra governor, confirmed the incident and stated that the state government is monitoring the situation and will release a statement soon.
This tragic incident comes just days after a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, claimed the lives of about 40 people, mostly children.
The Anambra stampede is also the second rice distribution-related mishap in 2024, following a similar incident in March where students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, were killed during a rice distribution event.
The frequency of such incidents raises concerns about the safety measures in place during large gatherings and distribution events.
As the investigation into the Anambra stampede continues, the state government and event organizers must prioritize the safety and well-being of attendees to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring.