At least 17 people lost their lives, and several others were injured during a stampede at a rice distribution event organized by the Obijackson Foundation in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday.

The incident occurred at one of the Foundation’s facilities in Amarata, Ohalegbu village, where residents from Ihiala and neighboring communities had gathered for the annual Christmas gift distribution.

Eyewitnesses reported that the victims, mostly women and youths, had assembled at the venue as early as 5 a.m. to secure their spots. When the distribution began, the crowd became uncontrollable, leading to a deadly stampede.

The victims were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, where a viral video showed lifeless bodies, including pregnant women, scattered around the hospital’s mortuary. Chaotic scenes of people fleeing and others attempting to revive unconscious victims were also captured.

While the Anambra State Police Command has yet to confirm the incident, grieving relatives of the deceased were seen weeping uncontrollably at the hospital. The Obijackson Foundation, which has organized the annual distribution for years, is yet to release a statement.