Scores Killed During Christmas Rice Sharing in Nigeria

News Update

An unspecified number of persons have died following a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja.

It was gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday morning when the church was distributing food items to vulnerable persons.

As of the time of filing this report, several persons have been hospitalized.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh confirmed this report.

In Anambra, it was an early morning stampede of at Chief Earnest Azudialo Obiejesi, popularly known as Obi Jackson left up to 25 persons dead during distribution of Christmas palliative especially rice and other consumables.

VAM News learnt that victims of the stampede were mainly aged and young women especially windows who had converged in Obi Jackson’s house for the palliative as customary every Yuletide season.

Eyewitness accounts disclosed that the stampede ensued following large number of persons who had come for the palliative which surpassed previous years exercises.

Authorities are yet to react to the fatalities.

Few days ago, about 35 people, mostly children died in a Christmas funfair party, where gifts were also shared in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

Therafter, the police authorities said those who organised the event including former Ooni of Ife’s wife were arrested.