JUST IN: Police say death toll from Anambra food distribution stampede rises to 22

• The police spokesperson said those who sustained injuries are receiving medical treatment.

The Anambra state police command has reported that the stampede in Okija community has resulted to the deaths of 22 individuals on Saturday.

Tochukwu Ikenga, police spokesperson, released a statement on Sunday morning confirming the incident.

WITHIN NIGERIA initially reported the stampede, which occurred during a rice distribution event organized by the Obijackson Foundation.

Residents gathered to receive rice donated by philanthropist Ernest Obiejesi, also known as Obijackson, when the incident occurred.

The event, organized by Obijackson Foundation, aimed to provide assistance to the community through food distribution.

Mr. Ikenga stated that Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono confirmed the casualty figure after visiting the hospital where victims were taken.

Obono also reported that additional individuals were injured in the stampede, but details were not provided.

The police chief expressed condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

He stated that an investigation into the “unfortunate incident” is ongoing.