Gubernatorial Aspirant, Chukwuma Condoles with Families On Okija Tragedy

Amid the mourning of lives lost in the tragic stampede that marred the distribution of Christmas gifts in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Anambra State, Sir Paul Chukwuma, a gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming 2025 election, has extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

Expressing deep shock at the scope and nature of the incident, Sir Chukwuma, speaking through his Campaign Spokesman James Eze, emphasised the need to uphold the Anambra spirit of community, philanthropy, and empathy in the face of adversity.

The governorship hopeful urged Anambra’s affluent citizens not to be disheartened by the tragedy but to find innovative ways to support their communities during the festive season.

Recognising the complexity of life’s mysteries, Sir Chukwuma called for collective introspection and prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and swift healing for the grieving families.

He stated, “Ndi Anambra, this tragedy has touched us all, but it must not be allowed to break the Anambra spirit—our sense of community, our legendary philanthropy, and our belief that wealth has no meaning until it brings relief and happiness to ordinary people.”

Sir Chukwuma observed that the communal spirit of the people has always peaked during times of adversity. He urged Anambra’s wealthy indigenes not to be discouraged by the Okija incident but to think creatively about ways to reach out and support their communities this Christmas.

He further noted that the mystery of life is so complex that sometimes, well-intentioned efforts to bring succor to people could result in unexpected outcomes. He called for collective introspection and prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and for speedy healing for their grieving families.

“We are in mourning. I have directed my campaign council to suspend the planned physical distribution of Christmas gifts to various communities for now and to quickly come up with a strategy that will cause minimal discomfort to the intended beneficiaries,” said sir Chukwuma.

“My family and I shall continue to hold the grieving families in our prayers and ask God to grant them a speedy healing from their irreparable losses,” he concluded.

The unfortunate incident occurred during a philanthropic event organized by a respected Anambra-born individual, resulting in a stampede that claimed multiple lives on Saturday.

Lateefah Ibrahim