Many feared dead as rice sharing causes stampede in Anambra

An unconfirmed number of residents of Okija community in Anambra state have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede.

A preliminary report said that the stampede occurred on Saturday morning during an event for the distribution of yuletide rice.

Victims of the stampede are mostly women.

Multiple social media videos show lifeless bodies laying on the ground after the incident.

Some victims have reportedly been taken to nearby hospitals.

Charles Aburime, the chief press secretary to the Anambra governor, confirmed the incident when contacted.

Aburime said the state government is monitoring the situation and would soon release a statement.

The incident is coming a few days after over 35 people, mostly children, died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

The Anambra stampede is the second rice distribution-related mishap in 2024.

In March, some students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, were killed in a stampede during the distribution of rice donated by the state government.