More stakeholders have expressed grief over the death of some persons at a Christmas rice sharing stampede in Okija, Anambra on Saturday.

The stakeholders in their various condolence messages said there was a need to empower people economically to be more self dependent and organisers of events to prioritise safety at public events.

The police command in Anambra, through SP Toochukwu Ikenga, the police public relations officer, has put the casualty figure at 22.

Barth Nwibe, a top governorship aspirant in the November 2025 election in Anambra bemoaned the deaths , saying it was unfortunate that they lost their lives because they wanted to get some grains of rice to stay alive.

Mr Nwibe, a philanthropist, described the incident as evidence of economic hardship Nigerians were facing, saying the deceased should not be blamed for their fate as they were only trying to get food to feed their families.

“I wish to express my deep condolences to the families of the deceased persons and the people of Ihiala over this irreparable loss.

“It is definitely not their fault, they needed the rice to stay alive but that shows how bad the situation is in our society today.

“In a country where things are good, you cannot have that number of people looking for free rice, it is quite unfortunate and sad,” he said.

On his part, Akai Egwuonwu, managing director of Stine Mill Industries, producers of Anambra Rice said it was painful that families had lost women, elderly, pregnant, nursing mothers, and children in this unfortunate incident.

Mr Egwuonwu said the unfortunate incident brings to the fore the need for organisers of such events to prioritise safety and effective crowd management during such distributions.

According to him, “I implore all individuals and organisations engaged in charitable activities to prioritise the safety and well-being of beneficiaries through necessary measures to prevent such incidents.

“I commiserate with the Obijackson Foundation and urge them not to be demoralised in their noble interventions.”

Also, Uzo Obi, managing director, chief executive officer of Jozo Environmental Services Limited said he was mourning with the entire people of Okija community over the unfortunate incident which befell them.

Mr Obi said it was unfortunate that while the Christian world was in a joyous mood in preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ, some families had been thrown into grief.

According to him, this is most unfortunate, it is one tragedy too many, see how good intentions turns out to be a thing of sorrow and mourning.

“It speaks volume of the times we are in, it is becoming difficult for people to survive on their own. People must be empowered to depend on themselves.

“On behalf of myself and my family, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to all those who are affected directly and indirectly by this unfortunate incident.

“I also want to encourage the Obijackson Foundation and other kind hearted members of the society not to be deterred but to continue to lend a hand to those who need it,” he said.

(NAN)