Over 21 individuals, including women and children, who lost their lives in a tragic stampede during a rice distribution event in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, were buried on Friday in a solemn ceremony at the St. Mary’s Field in Okija.
The incident occurred on December 21, 2024, during a palliatives distribution organized by Chief Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi through his foundation, the Obijackson Foundation.
The inter-denominational burial service was attended by families of the victims, survivors, community members, and notable personalities from the Okija community.
The event, organized by Obijackson Foundation in collaboration with the royal palace of Okija, aimed to pay tribute to the lives lost in the tragic incident.
During the service, religious leaders offered prayers for the deceased and their families.
Very Rev. Fr. Donald Chukwudolue led the church service, asking for God’s comfort for those who lost loved ones and prayed for the prevention of similar incidents in the future.
“We ask God to wipe away every tear and console the families of the deceased. We pray that such an accident will not occur in Okija again. Okija mourns, Anambra mourns, and Nigeria mourns,” he said.
Right Rev. Ralph Okafor, Bishop of Ihiala Diocese (Rtd), Anglican Communion, encouraged the families to seek solace in God and move forward, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in the face of tragedy.
Founder of Obijackson Foundation, Chief Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Okija community, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to human development and safety initiatives.
He stressed the importance of community support and solidarity in overcoming adversity, pledging to work towards preventing such tragedies in the future.
“Today, we gather here with heavy hearts to honor the memory of those we lost in the tragedy that occurred on December 21 in the community. I, as the founder of the Obijackson Foundation, sincerely express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Okija community for the incident.
“The foundation remains steadfast in its resolve to human development, and this incident has strengthened our resolve to ensure that such a tragedy will not occur again. Let this tragedy bring us closer and make us stronger as a community, and have a resolve to forge ahead.
“This kind of tragedy can deter you from engaging in service, but we as a foundation, we are going to continue to ensure that we do everything that God has empowered us to do to ensure that Okija never suffers this kind of calamity again.
“We are humbled and reminded of the importance of doing good. We are taking decisive actions and our resolve to serve Okija people will remain steadfast. Together, we will rebuild, together, we will make Okija a safer place where you will always eat and remember your brothers and sisters.
“The Obijackson Foundation will continue to do good. As the founder of the foundation, we have done this for 15 years and I assure you, we will continue to bring succour and love to Okija. May all those families that lost their loved ones continue to relate and we will support them with all the things they deserve.”
Community leaders, including Igwe Emeka Okezie, commended the philanthropic efforts of the foundation and urged continued support for the well-being of Okija residents.
Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, Chairman of Dozzy Group of Companies, provided financial assistance, consoled the victims’ families and donated N10 million to the victims’ families as a gesture of compassion and solidarity.
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