- Husband Mourns Wife, Rescues Baby from Tragic Scene
- Survivors Recount Harrowing Moments Amidst Chaos
A tragic stampede at a charity event in Okija, Anambra State, on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 22 people, mostly women, children, and the elderly. The incident occurred at the Obijackson Centre in Amanranta during a distribution of palliatives, including 25kg bags of rice, vegetable oil, and cash.
The victims were caught in a chaotic rush as a large crowd surged toward the venue’s gate. Witnesses said the stampede was triggered by impatience and poor crowd control.
A Husband’s Grief
Among the mourners was Uchenna Nwaudo, who lost his wife in the stampede. He revealed that he had cautioned her against attending the event due to their baby’s ill health.
“I warned my wife not to go, but she didn’t heed my advice,” Nwaudo said. “While I was at work, I got a call about the stampede. I rushed to the scene and found her lifeless body with our baby still strapped to her back.”
Nwaudo managed to rescue the baby and left the chaotic scene, lamenting the circumstances that led to his wife’s death. He has since begun arrangements for her burial.
Survivors Speak
One survivor, Ngozi, who is currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, recounted her terrifying experience.
“The crowd was overwhelming, and as soon as the gate opened, people started rushing and pushing. I was knocked down and felt a heavy weight on my body as others fell on top of me,” she said. “I gasped for breath and thought I wouldn’t survive. I lost my phone and money, but I’m just grateful to be alive.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitness Nnamdi Uzor described the scene as horrific. “I saw a woman lying lifeless on the ground with her baby still alive on her back. It was heartbreaking. Many people were rushed to hospitals, and some morgues couldn’t accommodate more bodies.”
According to reports, security personnel struggled to manage the crowd as people pushed and shoved to gain entry.
Community in Mourning
The President-General of Okija Progressives Union, Dr. Paul Isioma Ohaguim, described the incident as “a rude shock” and “very unfortunate.” He added that the casualty figures remained unconfirmed due to conflicting reports.
While some blamed the tragedy on poor organization, others acknowledged that the annual charity event, which aims to bring relief to the community, has always been a noble cause.
“It’s not the fault of the organisers,” said a relative of one of the victims, Uju Udoka. “Impatience and a lack of crowd control caused this tragedy.”
A Call for Better Planning
The Okija tragedy has sparked calls for improved safety measures at large gatherings. Many believe that enhanced crowd control, better security planning, and a more organized distribution process could prevent such incidents in the future.
As the community grieves its loss, survivors and families of the deceased continue to process the devastating events of that fateful day.
