Okija Stampede: Tears as Anambra Police Share Death Figure of “Unfortunate Incident”

TheTalk.NG journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and security matters.

Okija, Anambra state – The police in Anambra have disclosed that 22 people were killed during a stampede in Okija, Ihiala local government area (LGA) of the state.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday morning, December 22, obtained by TheTalk.NG.

The 22 people lost their lives in a crush in Okija town during a charity event on Saturday, December 21. The programme was organised by a philanthropist.

Viral videos that appeared to be from the scene in the southeast state showed lifeless bodies lying on the ground as people shouted for help and cried.

Police provide update on Anambra stampede

Ikenga stated that investigation into the “unfortunate incident” was still ongoing.

The police representative said:

“The police command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra on crime prevention, responding promptly and effectively to emergencies, protecting vulnerable populations and fostering a sense of security and community.”

Furthermore, the police added that some of the injured have been treated and discharged while others continue to receive medical care.

Following the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu cancelled all his official events in Lagos, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta.

In the same vein, the inspector general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressed concerns about the catastrophe. The security chief, therefore, warned organisers of such events to, henceforth, involve his men.

Stampede in Ibadan, Oyo state

Earlier, TheTalk.NG reported that at least 32 people were killed in a stampede at a charity event in Ibadan attended by dozens of masses.

The incident occurred at Islamic high school in Oyo state where up to 5,000 adults and children gathered for assistance.

Source: TheTalk.NG

Dele Farotimi vs Afe Babalola: Lawyer Speaks on What Nigerians Should Do

Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer and activist’s legal battle with Afe Babalola, a senior Nigerian lawyer, has continued to generate reactions Titilope Anifowoshe, a legal practitioner, spoke on the matter in an interview with TheTalk.NG, urged Nigerians to exercise their freedom of speech within the law According to Anifowoshe, the freedom of speech is ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Dozens of Muslim Worshippers Killed, Other Tragic Accidents, Events That Happened in Nigeria in 2024

2024 was indeed a year that threw many homes into mourning as tragic stampedes and accidents occurred in the final days In the last five days alone, multiple stampedes occurred during food and gift distribution events across the country, claiming the lives of many Nigerians, these events were meant to bring joy to communities This ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Former Military Governor Major General Godwin Osagie Abbe Passes Away at 75

Former Military Governor Major General Godwin Osagie Abbe (retd) has passed away at the age of 75 after a protracted illness Abbe, who served as Military Governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers states and was also a former Minister of Interior, died in Abuja on Saturday The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, hailed Abbe ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

JUST IN: Atiku Declares Tinubu’s 2025 Government Budget ‘Inadequate’, Cites Major Reasons

Atiku Abubakar condemned President Tinubu’s 2025 budget, calling it “inadequate” Atiku criticized the heavy reliance on external borrowing, highlighting concerns over rising public debt, interest payments, and foreign exchange exposure The former VP raised alarm over excessive recurrent expenditure, arguing that the budget’s allocation for capital spending is insufficient to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit Former ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Ibadan, Anambra, Abuja Tragedies: 5 Ways to Prevent Stampede During Event

No fewer than three locations have experienced stampedes leading to the death of many across the nation Over 32 children were killed during a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo state with similar incidents in Okija in Anambra and Maitama in Abuja This article highlights five ways to avoid and prevent stampedes during an event with a ... Read more Continue reading here ▶