• Pray against reoccurrence — Bishop
Tears flowed freely in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State yesterday as the victims that died in a stampede that occurred during a Christmas rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State were buried.
The burial began with an interdenominational service for the victims at the St Mary’s School field, Okija, officiated by the Anglican Bishop of Ihiala, Most Rev. Raph Okafor.
The stampede occurred on December 21, 2024, during a palliative distribution event organised by the Obijackson Foundation, where no fewer than 22 persons including children died while many others sustained various degrees of injuries
The foundation was established by one of the illustrious sons of Okija, Dr Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as (Obijackson) while the foundation had been on for about 10 years
In his sermon, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Most Rev Ralph Okafor, consoled the families of the victims, urging the people to accept what happened as the will of God.
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He urged them to pray against any reoccurrence of the tragedy in the community.
He also appealed to the philanthropist not to allow the incident discourage him from his service to humanity.
With tears rolling down his cheeks, Dr Obiejesi assured the affected families that he would continue to support them.
According to him, he will continue to provide for his people as long as his foundation exists, “despite the handiwork of the devil”.
“I have been providing this gesture for the past 15 years without such incident. I and my foundation will continue to empower the vulnerable families of Okija Kingdom,” he said.