Rice Stampede: Soludo Mourns As Police Confirm 22 Deaths In Anambra
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has condoled the families of victims who died in the rice stampede that occurred on Saturday in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
This is as the Anambra State Police Command said 22 people have been confirmed dead in the unfortunate incident.
Expressing grief over the tragic loss of lives in the sad incident, Governor Soludo extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, especially the women, the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children who lost their lives in the stampede.
The Governor, who conveyed the condolences in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, said the resulting tragedy has underscored the urgent need for a more structured and safer approach to distributing palliatives and offering assistance to members of the public.
Referencing available information, the statement said the Anambra State government acknowledged that the Obi Jackson Foundation, led by Chief Ernest Obiejesi, had organised the event with the noble intention of sharing relief materials with less privileged members of the community during the festive season.
According to the statement; “The Anambra State Government, in response to the incident, has initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the stampede.
“The government will work closely with relevant agencies to determine the root causes of this unfortunate event and ensure that any negligence or lapses in safety protocols are duly addressed.”
Importantly, the State government has also urged all well-meaning individuals and organisations engaged in charitable activities to prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries.
The Governor further said future distributions of relief materials must be more organised and decentralised, with adequate crowd control measures to avoid untoward events.
Governor Soludo said; “This method may include establishing multiple distribution points within the community to reduce overcrowding at a single location; implementing a system to prioritize vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities; employing trained personnel to manage crowds, ensure orderly queues, and provide assistance to those in need; and conducting public awareness campaigns to educate the public on safety protocols during such events.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, on Sunday confirmed that a total of 22 persons lost their lives in the rice rush incident.
CP Itam provided the figure after visiting the hospital where the victims of the stampede are currently receiving treatment.
While commiserating with the families and friends of the deceased, the Police boss wished the injured a quick recovery.
The Police Commissioner’s message, conveyed by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, in a statement, said that the investigation into the unfortunate incident was still ongoing.
He assured that the police command remained dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra through crime prevention, prompt and effective emergency response, protection of vulnerable populations, and fostering a sense of security and community.
