Tears streamed down the faces of Okija residents in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday as the community held an interdenominational service in memory of the victims of the tragic Christmas rice stampede.
The service, officiated by the Anglican Bishop of Ihiala, Most Rev. Ralph Okafor, took place at St. Mary’s School field, Okija.
The stampede, which occurred on December 21, 2024, during a palliative event organized by the Obijackson Foundation, claimed the lives of no fewer than 22 individuals, including children, and left many others injured.
The Obijackson Foundation, founded by Dr. Ernest Obiejesi (popularly known as Obijackson), has been supporting the community for over a decade.
In his sermon, Bishop Okafor consoled the bereaved families and urged the community to accept the tragedy as the will of God.
He also called for prayers to prevent such an incident from reoccurring and appealed to Dr. Obiejesi not to be disheartened in his philanthropic efforts.
With tears in his eyes, Dr. Obiejesi assured the victims’ families of continued support, vowing that the tragedy would not deter him from empowering the community.
“Despite the handiwork of the devil, I will not stop helping my people. I have been doing this for 15 years, and I will continue to provide for the vulnerable families of Okija Kingdom,” he said.
Dr. Obiejesi commended the traditional ruler of Okija, Igwe Emeka Nnamdi Okezie, for ensuring a peaceful service, describing the stampede as the worst incident his foundation has ever experienced.
AT Report
