Tragic Farewell: Okija Community Lays 22 Stampede Victims To Rest After Interdenominational Service

NNEWI — Retired Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Rt Rev. Ralph Okafor, urged the families and loved ones of the Okija stampede victims, which claimed 22 lives during the December rice distribution in Okija, not to mourn as those without hope.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Bishop also addressed Chief Ernest Obiejesi, popularly known as Obijackson, whose foundation was distributing bags of rice, a gallon of vegetable oil, and five thousand naira to each beneficiary before the tragic stampede occurred. He encouraged wealthy individuals in society not to be discouraged from assisting the less privileged due to unfortunate incidents like the stampede.

During the Okija Kingdom interdenominational burial service for the victims of the December 21, 2024 stampede, titled “Okija Mourns,” Bishop Okafor emphasized that life experiences, even tragic ones, can lead to new beginnings.

He stated, “The world mourns today, not just Okija, not just Anambra State or Nigeria. We live in a global village where bad things happen every day. Today is not the time to assign blame. Instead, let us thank God for those who give to the masses. Obijackson and others like him should not be discouraged from giving to the poor.”

“The past is past, and we must move forward. Life goes on, and in this world, there is hardship, but God promises heaven where there will be no suffering or tears. Therefore, we should strive to make heaven.”

Quoting Psalm 23, Bishop Okafor emphasized, “Do not mourn like those who have no hope. God is always with you, and He will never abandon you in times like these.”

In his address during the ceremony, visibly moved Chairman of Obijackson Foundation, Chief Ernest Obiejesi, vowed to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again. He stressed that the community should unite and strengthen its resolve to move forward.

He said, “As a foundation, we will ensure that Okija never suffers such a loss again. To my beloved Okija community, this has been a dark moment in our shared history. We remain humbled and reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing safety in everything we do. We are taking decisive actions, and our mission to serve and uplift Okija people will remain steadfast.”

Chief Obiejesi further reassured the community that as long as the Obijackson Foundation exists, it will continue to support and uplift Okija people.

Additionally, Okija-born industrialist Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, Chairman of Dozzy Group of Companies, donated N10 million to the bereaved families, expressing his regret over the incident and urging them to find strength in unity and resilience.