IPOB Reacts To Death Of 22 Women In Okija Stampede

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), through its Directorate of State (DOS), has extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Okija community in Anambra State and to the wider Igbo nation following the tragic loss of over 22 women in a stampede during a palliative distribution event organized by philanthropist Obi Jackson.

In a statement signed by Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, the group expressed its deep sorrow over the incident, calling it both heartbreaking and avoidable.

IPOB also stressed the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety protocols at future palliative distribution events to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

The stampede took place during Obi Jackson’s annual food distribution initiative, a well-established tradition aimed at assisting vulnerable families in Okija and surrounding areas during the festive season.

Read Also: Organisers Speak After Stampede In Anambra

IPOB lauded Jackson’s consistent philanthropic efforts, emphasizing that his goodwill and selfless acts should not be condemned or discouraged.

However, IPOB also highlighted the role of Nigerian politicians in exacerbating poverty, which has led to desperate situations where large crowds gather for limited relief materials.

The group criticized the lack of proper safety measures at such events, underscoring that the weaponization of poverty and the failure to implement adequate crowd control practices contributed to the devastating outcome.