The victims who died in a stampede that occurred throughout a Christmas rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala Native Authorities Space of Anambra State, have been buried.
No fewer than 21 individuals, principally ladies and kids reportedly misplaced their lives throughout the tragic incident that occurred on December 21, 2024, throughout the palliative distribution being donated by a notable member of the group, Chief Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, by his basis, Obijackson Basis.
The inter-denominational burial service for the victims held at St. Mary’s Discipline, Okija, on Friday, had households of the victims, survivors, group members, and different notable personalities of the group in attendance within the low-key occasion.
The occasion was organised by Obijackson Basis, alongside the royal palace of the Okija group.
Throughout the service, the Very Rev. Donald Chukwudolue, who anchored his lesson from the e book of Revelation 21:1-8, requested the Almighty God to console all people who misplaced their family members and prayed that such wouldn’t happen once more locally.
Chukwudolue stated, “We ask God to wipe away each tear and console the households of the deceased. We pray such an accident won’t happen in Okija once more. Okija mourns, Anambra mourns, and Nigeria mourns.
“No person would hear such tragic information and never really feel sober. Solely the Lord can console those that misplaced their family members and we pray the Lord will proceed to consolation the households of the victims.”
Throughout his sermon, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Ralph Okafor, who learn from the e book of Psalms 23, urged the households of the victims to maneuver and proceed to look to God for comfort, saying, “Previous is previous, we should transfer on.”
Whereas mourning the victims, the Founding father of the Obijackson Basis, Chief Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, thanked the standard ruler of the group and different members of the group for his or her help and present of affection.
Azudialu-Obiejesi stated, “Right this moment, we collect right here with heavy hearts to honour the reminiscence of these we misplaced within the tragedy that occurred on December 21 locally. I, because the founding father of the Obijackson Basis sincerely expressed my deepest condolences to the households of the victims and your entire Okija group for the incident.
“The muse stays steadfast in its resolve to human growth, this incident has strengthened our resolve to make sure there such tragedy won’t happen once more. Let this tragedy deliver us nearer and make us stronger as a group and have a resolve to forge forward.
“This sort of tragedy can deter you from participating in service, however we as a basis, are going to proceed to make sure that we do all the things that God has empowered us to do to make sure that Okija by no means suffers this type of calamity once more.
“We’re humbled and reminded of the significance of doing good. We’re taking decisive actions and our resolve to serve the Okija individuals will stay steadfast. Collectively, we’ll rebuild, collectively, we’ll make Okija a safer place the place you’ll all the time eat and bear in mind your brothers and sisters.
“The Obijackson Basis will proceed to do good. Because the founding father of the muse, we have now achieved this for 15 years and I guarantee you, we’ll proceed to deliver succour and like to Okija. Could all these households that misplaced their family members proceed to narrate and we’ll help them with all of the issues they deserve.”
In his speech, the standard ruler of the group, Emeka Okezie, urged the muse to proceed in its philanthropic gestures as these have impacted positively on the group and the lives of the individuals.
Okezie urged Azudialu-Obiejesi to proceed in his group service and impression on lives and to not be discouraged by the unlucky incident.
The Chairman of Dozzy Group of Firms, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, consoled the victims and donated a sum of N10 million to them.
A few of the victims, who spoke on the occasion, expressed disappointment over what occurred whereas calling on the Almighty God to grant the souls of the deceased everlasting relaxation.
