Tragedy struck in Nigeria as multiple stampedes during palliative distributions led to numerous fatalities.
Just days after 36 children died in Ibadan from a stampede at a high school Christmas event, at least 17 people died Okija in Anambra State on Saturday during a rice distribution by the Obijackson Foundation.
Witnesses reported that victims—mostly women and youths—arrived as early as 5 a.m. for the event.
Chaos erupted when the distribution began, causing uncontrollable crowds and a tragic stampede. The deceased and injured were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala.
In a viral video, scenes showed bodies scattered near the hospital’s mortuary, including pregnant women. Eyewitnesses recounted the horror, and many relatives were seen crying.
In Abuja, a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church resulted in at least 10 deaths, including children.
Thousands of residents had gathered early to receive distributed palliatives.
The National Director of Social Communications, Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, confirmed the incident and noted that distribution had been suspended.
“10 people have been reported dead, including children. We just received a call that they have passed on.
“Over 3,000 people came out to receive the palliative.“
“It’s unfortunate,” he said, addressing the tragic outcomes.
Security forces, including police and military, were deployed to restore order as the crowd surged forward.
Politician Peter Obi is, as usual, among the first to react. He sent out a post saying his “heart bleeds” and that the tragedies “reflect the systemic failures that plague our society.”
These incidents occur just during the winter solstice, leading those with profound knowledge to question whether these tragedies are random or linked to deeper issues.
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