Tragedy struck in Okija, a community within the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday, December 21, 2024 as a devastating stampede left scores feared dead.

The chaos unfolded at the residence of billionaire entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson, where a crowd had gathered in anticipation of the distribution of bags of rice donated by him.

Disturbing video footage that has since gone viral on social media reveals the horrifying scene, with lifeless bodies, predominantly that of women, strewn across the ground.

Witnesses recounted that the pandemonium erupted around 6am on Saturday, as throngs of people congregated at the gates of Mr Obiejesi’s home, some having camped there since Friday night, eager for the charitable giveaway.

Reports from those on the scene indicated that over 19 bodies were counted lying on the ground, with some victims being transported to Our Lady’s Hospital, Okija.

Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident, while acknowledging the tragic loss of life, stated that details remained unclear.

Ikenga added that police operatives have been dispatched to the area to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the calamity.