Tears flowed on Friday as victims of stampede that occurred during a Christmas rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra were buried at an inter-denominational burial service attended by families of the deceased, community members and other notable personalities.
The inter-denominational burial service for the 22 people who died in the Dec. 21, 2024 during distribution of palliatives organised by a philanthropist in the area was held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Field, Okija.
Speaking during the solemn event, Rev. Donald Chukwudolue, who anchored the service, prayed the Almighty God to console everybody that lost their loved ones and wished that such would not occur again in the community.
Chukwudolue, who cited the book of Revelation 21:1-8 during his ministration, asked God to wipe away every tears and console the families of the deceased.
He said, “We ask God to wipe away every tears and console the families of the deceased. We pray such accident will not occur in Okija again.
“Okija mourns, Anambra mourns and Nigeria mourns. Nobody would hear such tragic news and not feel sober.
“Only the Lord can console those who lost their loved ones and we pray the Lord will continue to comfort the families of the victims,” he said.
While mourning the victims, the Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, Chief Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, thanked the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emeka Okezie, and other members of the community for their support and show of love.
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“Today, we gather here with heavy hearts to honour the memory of those we lost in the tragedy that happened on Dec. 21 in the community.
“I, as the founder of the Obijackson Foundation, sincerely expressed my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Okija community for the incident.
“The foundation remains steadfast in its resolve to human development; this incident has strengthened our resolve to ensure that such tragedy will not occur again.
“Let this tragedy bring us closer and make us stronger as a community and have a resolve to forge ahead.
“This kind of tragedy can deter you from engaging in humanitarian service.
“We, as a foundation, we are going to continue to ensure that we do everything that God has empowered us to do to ensure that Okija never suffers this kind of calamity again,” Azudialu-Obiejesi said.
In his speech, the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Okezie, urged the foundation to continue in its philanthropic gestures as these have impacted positively on the community and the lives of the people.
Some of the victims, who spoke at the event, expressed sadness over what happened, while calling on the Almighty God to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest.
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