The Okija community in Anambra State has been enveloped in grief as they laid to rest 21 victims of the December 21, 2024, stampede. The tragedy, which occurred during a palliatives distribution event organized by philanthropist Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, claimed the lives of mostly women and children. At a solemn inter-denominational service held at St. Mary’s Field, community members, families, and survivors gathered to mourn their loved ones and seek comfort in unity.
Clergymen led prayers for the bereaved, with Bishop Rommy Nzomiwu of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria urging residents to find solace in God. “Okija mourns, but we pray that such a calamity never befalls us again,” Nzomiwu said, drawing lessons from the book of Revelation to offer hope amidst sorrow. His sentiments were echoed by Rt. Rev. Ralph Okafor of the Anglican Communion, who emphasized resilience and faith.
Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, founder of the Obijackson Foundation and sponsor of the ill-fated event, expressed profound sorrow over the incident. “This tragedy strengthens our resolve to serve our people better,” he stated, pledging to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Azudialu-Obiejesi encouraged the community to turn their grief into collective strength, promising to continue his foundation’s philanthropic efforts.
Philanthropist Chief Daniel Chukwudozie of the Dozzy Group of Companies also extended support to the victims’ families with a donation of ₦10 million. Chukwudozie called for stronger safety measures during community events, highlighting the need for collaboration among stakeholders to prevent similar tragedies. Survivors of the stampede, still reeling from the trauma, shared poignant accounts of their ordeal, expressing hopes for eternal rest for the deceased. Many emphasized the importance of community healing and resilience as Okija grapples with the tragedy’s aftermath.
Traditional ruler Igwe Emeka Okezie praised the contributions of philanthropists like Azudialu-Obiejesi while calling for better organization in future community outreach initiatives. “This is a moment to strengthen our bonds and ensure such an incident never recurs,” the monarch stated, urging the community to honor the victims by striving for a safer and more united Okija.
