The Nigeria Police have confirmed that the death toll in the unfortunate stampede incident in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has risen to 22.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday at the scene of a palliative distribution organised by a philanthropist in Okija.
Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who gave an update on the development in a statement on Sunday in Onitsha, said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, visited the hospital where the victims of the tragic stampede are receiving treatment.
He said that Itam sympathised with the families and friends of the deceased while he wished those injured quick recovery.
He said an investigation into the unfortunate event was ongoing, adding that the command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people during and after the festive period.
Similarly, 10 people died in the federal capital territory, Abuja, during a church-organized charity event.
The two incidents happened only days after another stampede in Ibadan, Oyo State, in which several children were killed.
Africa’s most populous country is seeing a growing trend by local organizations, churches and individuals to organize charity events ahead of Christmas to ease economic hardship caused by a cost-of-living crisis.
The stampedes have prompted growing calls for authorities to enforce safety measures at such events. Nigerian police also mandated that organizers obtain prior permission.
