It was a day of mourning in Anambra State.
The city was filled with silence as residents in every corner of the state paid their last respects to the 21 people who lost their lives in a stampede that occurred during a Christmas rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
As we speak, the 21 victims, mostly women and children have been laid to rest.
For those who missed the story.
The tragic incident occurred on December 21, 2024.
However, on that ill-fated day, a palliative distribution was donated by a notable member of the community, Ernest Obiejesi, through his foundation, Obijackson Foundation.
Meanwhile, the burial service was anchored by Rev. Donald Chukwudolue.
He anchored his lesson from the book of Revelation 21:1-8.
Additionally, the Rev asked the Almighty God to console everybody who lost their loved ones 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.”
The Memory
Meanwhile, Ernest said the foundation remains steadfast in its resolve to human development.
Furthermore, he stated that 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.
“We are humbled and reminded of the importance of doing good.
Also Read: Stampede: Oyo Vows To Punish Those Involved
“We are taking decisive actions and our resolve to serve the Okija people will remain steadfast.
“Together, we will rebuild, together, we will make Okija a safer place where you will always eat and remember your brothers and sisters.
Additionally, the Obijackson Foundation will continue to do good.
Furthermore, as the founder of the foundation, we have done this for 15 years and I assure you, we will continue to bring succour and love to Okija.
“May all those families that lost their loved ones continue to relate and we will support them with all the things they deserve.”