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.
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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.
“Nigeria, as a failed state, has left citizens in extreme poverty, forcing private individuals like Obi Jackson to step in. The tragic loss of lives is not his fault, but future events must prioritize safety, proper planning, and decentralized distribution methods,” the statement read.
IPOB recommended that future palliative distributions be decentralized, with allocations made directly to individual villages instead of being centralized at one venue, to prevent overcrowding.
They also stressed the need for robust security and effective crowd control measures during these events.
Read Also: Police Gives Update After Anambra Stampede
Additionally, the group called on philanthropists to shift their focus from temporary relief efforts to more sustainable empowerment programs that can create long-term impact.
“There is a saying: Teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime. We must address poverty by empowering people through sustainable agricultural and industrial initiatives,” the statement continued.
IPOB called on wealthy Igbo individuals to provide seedlings for farming, support youth employment, and invest in industries and businesses within the Southeast to create lasting economic opportunities.
IPOB reiterated its stance on activating an Agricultural and Industrial Revolution in the region.
They encouraged Igbo investors to relocate their factories, businesses, and agencies back to Alaigbo, creating employment opportunities for the youth and fostering economic independence.
“We must not create a culture of dependency. The Igbo people are known for hard work and resilience. We must rise above this engineered poverty and reclaim our self-sustaining heritage,” the group emphasized.
IPOB expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and committed to championing efforts for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We mourn with every family that lost a loved one during the unfortunate stampede. Let this tragedy be a wake-up call for us to rethink our approach to poverty alleviation,” the statement concluded.
The group urged all stakeholders—philanthropists, community leaders, and government agencies—to focus on sustainable solutions that tackle the underlying causes of poverty in the region.
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