Tears, Prayers as Okija Community Remembers Christmas Stampede Victims

Residents of Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State gathered in sorrow on Friday for an interdenominational service held to honor the victims of the Christmas rice stampede that claimed 22 lives. The tragic event occurred on December 21, 2024, during a palliative distribution organized by the Obijackson Foundation. The stampede left many others injured, sending shockwaves through the community.

The memorial service, officiated by the Anglican Bishop of Ihiala, Most Rev. Ralph Okafor, took place at St. Mary’s School field in Okija. Bishop Okafor consoled grieving families, urging them to accept the tragedy as an act of divine will. He led prayers for peace and implored the community to pray against any future occurrences of such calamities. He also encouraged the founder of the Obijackson Foundation, Dr. Ernest Obiejesi, not to be discouraged in his philanthropic efforts despite the devastating incident.

With visible emotion, Dr. Obiejesi reassured families of the victims of his continued support, vowing that the tragedy would not hinder his mission to uplift vulnerable families in the Okija Kingdom. “Despite the handiwork of the devil, I will not stop helping my people,” he said. “I have been doing this for 15 years, and I will continue to provide for the vulnerable families of Okija Kingdom.”

The Obijackson Foundation, which has been active in the community for over a decade, organized the palliative event that tragically ended in the stampede. Dr. Obiejesi praised the traditional ruler of Okija, Igwe Emeka Nnamdi Okezie, for ensuring the memorial service remained peaceful. He also described the stampede as the most harrowing experience his foundation has faced.