No fewer than 21 people, mostly women and children reportedly lost their lives during the tragic incident that occurred on December 21, 2024, during the palliative distribution being donated by a notable member of the community, Chief Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, through his foundation, Obijackson Foundation.
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The inter-denominational burial service for the victims held at St. Mary’s Field, Okija, on Friday, had families of the victims, survivors, community members, and other notable personalities of the community in attendance in the low-key event.
The event was organised by Obijackson Foundation, alongside the royal palace of the Okija community.
During the service, the Very Rev. Donald Chukwudolue, who anchored his lesson from the book of Revelation 21:1-8, asked the Almighty God to console everybody who lost their loved ones and prayed that such would not occur again in the community.
During his sermon, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Ralph Okafor, who read from the book of Psalms 23, urged the families of the victims to move and continue to look to God for consolation, saying, “Past is past.
While mourning the victims, the Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, thanked the traditional ruler of the community and other members of the community for their support and show of love.