Police Operatives Storm, Cordon Off Scene of Tragic Rice Distribution Center in Okija

By Praise Chinecherem

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have stormed and taken over scene of the tragic rice collection center at Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The move to cordon off the scene where some persons were feared dead and others wounded in a stampede that occurred during a free rice collection exercise in the early hours of December 21, according to police statement, was to avert further unforeseen circumstances.

The statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, read in parts: “Preliminary information reveals that a known Philanthropist from the Okija Community, on his yearly schedule shares some palliatives to the members of the community to provide succour to the less privileged.

“Unfortunately, before the event could start, a large number of uncontrolled persons took over the event area which resulted in a stampede.

“Though the details of the affected persons as still sketchy, Police Operatives have taken over the scene for proper investigation, please.”