A mass burial has been conducted for the victims of the stampede that occurred during a Christmas rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
TheNewsGuru recalls that the tragic incident occurred on December 21, 2024, during the palliative distribution being donated by a notable member of the community, Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, through his foundation, Obijackson Foundation.
On Friday, the Obijackson Foundation held an inter-denominational burial service at St. Mary’s Field, Okija, for the victims, and it had in attendance families of the victims, survivors, community members, and other notable personalities of the community.
Speaking during the service, Rev. Donald Chukwudolue asked the Almighty God to grant those who lost their loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss and prayed that such would not occur again in the community.
He said, “We ask God to wipe away every tear and console the families of the deceased. We pray such an accident will not occur in Okija again. Okija mourns, Anambra mourns, and Nigeria mourns.
“Nobody would hear such tragic news and not feel sober. Only the Lord can console those who lost their loved ones and we pray the Lord will continue to comfort the families of the victims.”
Ernest, while mourning the victims, also noted the foundation remains steadfast in its resolve to human development, and the stampede has strengthened their resolve to ensure such tragedy incident will not occur again.
He said, “Today, we gather here with heavy hearts to honour the memory of those we lost in the tragedy that happened on December 21 in the community. I, as the founder of the Obijackson Foundation sincerely expressed my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Okija community for the incident.
“The foundation remains steadfast in its resolve to human development, this incident has strengthened our resolve to ensure there such tragedy will not occur again. Let this tragedy bring us closer and make us stronger as a community and have a resolve to forge ahead.
“This kind of tragedy can deter you from engaging in service, but we as a foundation, are going to continue to ensure that we do everything that God has empowered us to do to ensure that Okija never suffers this kind of calamity again.