Three days after no fewer than 36 persons died in a stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, many, including children, have died in similar incidents in Abuja and Anambra State while struggling for Christmas palliatives.
The twin incidents, which happened, yesterday, left the nation shocked given that they came on the heels of the Oyo incident.
More than 10 people lost their lives and several others were injured during the distribution of food items by Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.
Sunday Vanguard learned the incident occurred as thousands of residents scrambled to receive palliatives distributed by the church.
A non-governmental organization (NGO), Civil Society Legislation Advocacy Center (CISLAC), blamed the deaths on worsening hunger in the country.
The event, organised to provide relief to struggling residents, attracted over 3,000 people, mostly from Mpape, Gishiri and other nearby settlements.
National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev Fr Mike Umoh, confirmed the tragic development.
He said the exercise had been suspended following the event.
“Yes it’s true but with sketchy details,” the priest said.
An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic and tragic, saying that at least seven of the deceased were children.
Palliatives
Many attendees arrived as early as 4:00 am, hoping to secure their share of the palliatives.
The stampede occurred between 7:00 am and 8:00 am when the crowd surged forward.
“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. Some of them arrived as early as 4:00 am. Most of those present were residents of Mpape, Gishiri Village, and other nearby settlements.
The stampede occurred between 7:00 am and 8:00 am. The distribution of palliatives has been suspended indefinitely, and people are dispersing. May God receive the souls of the departed and protect us from harm,” the eyewitness, a mother of five, said.
However, a combined team of police, military and Department of State Services,DSS, officers were deployed to restore order and disperse the crowd.
The church premises, initially filled with anxious beneficiaries, gradually cleared as security personnel enforced the suspension.
Similarly, the Anambra stampede, which happened in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, saw many people losing their lives while struggling for Christmas rice.
Sunday Vanguard gathered the incident happened when an indigene of the community popularly known as Obijason was distributing his annual Christmas rice.
Bodies
One of the witnesses who recorded the video, who spoke in Igbo language, showed dead bodies of some victims at Our Lady’s Hospital, Okija.
In the viral video, the male voice said: “This thing happened in Okija now. People who went to share Obijason rice, look at people who died. We are in Our Lady’s now.
“They went to share Obijason rice and they were stampeded to death. See all of them, including women. These are people stampeded to death. See people’s dead bodies. They are all dead. They went to share Obijason rice.
“There are a lot of dead bodies. They are still bringing in dead bodies. This happened this morning. Even pregnant women were among them. It is happening now, 21 December. Abomination has happened.
“More dead bodies are still coming. This is Okija. We are in Our Lady’s. These are not those who are unconscious. They are still bringing more. They said what is here is more than 100 dead bodies. Tragedy happened.”
According to another eyewitness, the victims, mostly women and youths, had stationed themselves at the facility as early as 5 a.m. on Saturday, waiting for the distribution to begin at dawn.
Uncontrollable
He said the crowd became uncontrollable when the distribution began, leading to the stampede.
The dead bodies, and those who sustained injuries, were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.
In a viral video, dead bodies, including pregnant women, littered the vicinity of the hospital’s mortuary.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos in honour of the victims.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said one of Tinubu’s outings included the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta.
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According to the statement, dignitaries, including top officials of Lagos State government and white cap chiefs were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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