At least 12 residents of Okija in Anambra State have been confirmed dead in a stampede at occurred during distribution of rice in the community on Saturday morning.
Videos circulating on the Internet showed many of the victims of the stampede mostly women lying on the ground lifeless.
Also, some white coloured coffins were seen in the videos.
It was also learnt that some of those injured during the stampede were taken to hospital.
While confirming the incident, Charles Aburime, the chief press secretary to the Anambra governor, said the state government is monitoring the situation.
He said a statement would be released on the incident soon.
Earlier report indicated that a similar stampede during distribution of rice claimed 10 lives at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitaima area of Abuja.
The National Director of Social Communications, Catholic Church Secretariat of Nigeria, Padre Mike Umoh confirmed the incident.
READ ALSO: Stampede at Catholic Church kills 10 in Abuja
He said the distribution of the palliatives was suspended as a result of the incident.
The Abuja and Anambra deaths from stampedes is coming a few days after over 35 people, mostly children, were also trampled to death during a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
Stampede incidents in recent days has pronounced the extent of hardship being faced by many Nigerians who may depend on freebies and gifts to put foods on their table even when it may be at the expense of their lives.
With the exorbitant cost of living, and heightened food insecurity, feeding becomes a serious challenge for the ordinary citizen, hence occasions like free food donations and giveaways will always draw mammoth crowds.
As communities mourn their losses, this is a wake up call to the government to put in place viable systems and policies that will swiftly address the lingering hardship and bring about succor to the common man.
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