The victims who tragically lost their lives in a stampede during a Christmas rice distribution event in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, have been laid to rest.
On December 21, 2024, a total of 21 people, primarily women and children, died during the palliative distribution, which was organized by a prominent member of the community, Chief Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, through his Obijackson Foundation.
A modest inter-denominational burial service was held for the victims at St. Mary’s Field, Okija, on Friday.
The event saw the attendance of the victims’ families, survivors, Okija community members, and other distinguished individuals.
The service was organized by Obijackson Foundation in collaboration with the Okija royal palace.
The Very Rev. Donald Chukwudolue led the ceremony, drawing lessons from Revelation 21:1-8.
He prayed for comfort for the grieving families, asking God to wipe away their tears and prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
He remarked, “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.”
Bishop Ralph Okafor of the Ihiala Diocese of the Anglican Communion also delivered a sermon, drawing from Psalms 23.
He encouraged the families of the victims to look to God for solace, saying, “Past is past, we must move on.”
The founder of Obijackson Foundation, Chief Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and the Okija community.
He acknowledged the support from the community’s traditional ruler and others, stating, “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 express 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, and this incident has strengthened our resolve to ensure that such tragedy will not occur again. Let this tragedy bring us closer and make us stronger as a community, and let us forge ahead.”
Azudialu-Obiejesi vowed to continue the foundation’s work, saying, “This kind of tragedy can deter you from engaging in service, but we as a foundation, are going to continue to do everything that God has empowered us to do to ensure that Okija never suffers this kind of calamity again. We are humbled and reminded of the importance of doing good. We are taking decisive actions, and our resolve to serve the Okija people will remain steadfast. Together, we will rebuild, and together, we will make Okija a safer place where you will always eat and remember your brothers and sisters.”
The traditional ruler of Okija, Emeka Okezie, urged the Obijackson Foundation to continue its philanthropic efforts, highlighting the positive impact the foundation has had on the community.
Okezie encouraged Azudialu-Obiejesi to persevere in his community service, despite the unfortunate incident.
The Chairman of Dozzy Group of Companies, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, also expressed his condolences, donating N10 million to the victims’ families. Several survivors and community members spoke at the service, expressing their grief and praying for the eternal rest of the deceased.
