society
“Grief and Survival: The Human Toll of Okija’s Deadly Stampede
“Grief and Survival: The Human Toll of Okija’s Deadly Stampede
The peaceful community of Okija, in Anambra State, was thrown into mourning on Saturday as a stampede at a charity event claimed the lives of no fewer than 22 people. The incident, which occurred at the Obijackson Centre in the Amanranta area, saw middle-aged women, the elderly, and children trampled in a desperate rush to collect palliatives.
The charity event, an annual initiative known for distributing 25kg bags of rice, vegetable oil, and cash, turned tragic when a massive crowd surged at the venue’s gate. Witnesses reported that impatience among attendees and inadequate crowd control contributed to the chaos.
A Husband’s Heartbreaking Loss
Uchenna Nwaudo, whose wife was among the deceased, shared his grief and disbelief over the loss. “I warned my wife not to go because our baby wasn’t feeling well,” he lamented. “I was at work when I got the call that she had been trampled upon. I rushed to the scene only to find her lifeless body, with our baby still strapped to her back. Miraculously, the baby survived.”
Overwhelmed by the chaos at the scene, Nwaudo could only retrieve his child and leave. Later, he identified his wife’s body at the mortuary and began arrangements for her burial.
Accounts from Survivors and Witnesses
One survivor, Ngozi, described the harrowing experience: “The crowd pushed, and I fell. People trampled on me. I couldn’t breathe and thought I wouldn’t survive. By God’s grace, I woke up in the hospital.”
Eyewitness Nnamdi Uzor recounted seeing lifeless bodies and belongings scattered at the venue. “A woman lay lifeless with her baby strapped on her back, but the child survived. It was heartbreaking,” he said.
Uju Udoka, a relative of another victim, shared her sorrow: “My sister, a nursing mother, went to collect the palliatives but never returned. It’s devastating for the family.”
Community Reaction
Dr. Paul Isioma Ohaguim, President-General of the Okija Progressives Union, expressed the community’s shock. “It’s a tragic and unfortunate incident. We’re working to confirm the casualty figures, but the loss is deeply felt,” he said.
While the organizers of the charity event have expressed regret, many, including Nwaudo, refrained from blaming them entirely. “This is a gesture they’ve done for years to help the community. The tragedy stemmed from impatience and the inability to manage the large crowd effectively,” Nwaudo noted.
A Reminder of the Need for Safety
The tragedy at Okija serves as a grim reminder of the need for stringent crowd management and safety measures during large gatherings. As the community grieves, questions remain about how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
Tell Your Men To Obey Court, Alaka Landowners Appeal To IGP Disu
Landowners in the Alaka area of Lagos State have called on the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, to order the policemen stationed on their property to obey a subsisting court order directing the withdrawal of all security personnel from the site.
The landowners made the call on Wednesday, February 25, during an inspection visit to the land that saw them being threatened by armed policemen.
According to the landowners, they arrived at the property following a judicial directive ordering officers to leave the land and were in the process of inspecting their individual plots, taking photographs, recording videos, and discussing plans to commence development, only to be confronted by armed policemen who questioned their presence and issued threats to shoot at them.
Speaking to journalists, one of the landowners, Tolani Agbajobi, described the encounter as disturbing and insisted that the officers had no legal basis to remain on the land. He stressed that the police should respect the authority of the court and withdraw from the property without further delay.
Agbajobi said the inspection was a long-awaited opportunity for many landowners who had been denied access to the land for an extended period. He added that the continued presence of armed officers, despite a clear court order, undermines confidence in the rule of law and raises concerns about accountability within the security architecture.
He further questioned why policemen were still deployed on the land despite public statements by the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who had warned that police involvement in land recovery or related disputes was not part of the Force’s constitutional duties and would attract disciplinary action.
Calling for urgent intervention, Agbajobi appealed to the current Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to enforce compliance with both court rulings and established police directives by ordering the immediate withdrawal of the officers from the site.
Another landowner, who identified himself simply as Samuel, also expressed concern over what he described as growing impunity, questioning how officers could continue occupying the land in defiance of a court order and clear instructions previously issued by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The landowners maintained that their demand was not confrontational but rooted in respect for the law, insisting that the police must act within their constitutional mandate and allow the courts to resolve civil land disputes without intimidation or unlawful interference.
OGUN 2027: ABIODUN ISIAQ AKINLADE – A CHANGER OF POLITICAL NARRATIVES IN OGUN WEST
The Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Institutions and Colleges, member representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Right Honorable Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq, remains a political patriot and a true changer of political narratives in Ogun West. Over the years, he has consistently invested in building people and nurturing future leaders, leaving behind a legacy centered on empowerment and human capital development.
There is no doubt that his political dynasty is a proudly made-in-Nigeria project. The foundation he laid and the blueprints he developed during his tenure as a four-term member of the House of Representatives continue to simplify governance and inspire developmental strides across his constituency and beyond.
His roadmap for development has remained a guiding compass toward achieving the Ogun State of his dreams, particularly in improving the lives of the people of Ogun West.
Unarguably, the true test of leadership lies in the number of leaders and successful individuals one has raised. By this standard, Hon. Akinlade stands tall. Many beneficiaries of his mentorship, empowerment initiatives, and strategic support testify to his enduring impact.
Having served diligently during the era of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which later evolved into the All Progressives Congress (APC), his unmatched antecedents remain etched in the hearts of the people of Ogun West. He continues to serve as a dependable point of contact, known for his pragmatic and solution-driven approach to governance.
Hon. Akinlade has continually reshaped the political narrative in Ogun West through employment facilitation, empowerment programs, and sustained community engagement. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people demonstrates his belief that leadership is about service and impact.
As a man of vision and positive ambition for his people, his political journey and aspirations—especially his Governorship ambition—reflect his continued desire to serve at higher levels. With sustained support and collective commitment, the people of Ogun West can continue to reap the dividends of democracy under his leadership.
Daniel Topology De-Prof
society
Panic in Aso Rock Villa as Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu’s Electoral Law, Announce Next Action
Panic in Aso Rock Villa as Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu’s Electoral Law, Announce Next Action
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“Opposition coalition vows constitutional resistance, warns new electoral amendments could undermine 2027 polls.”
On 26 February 2026 in Abuja, opposition political parties triggered political turbulence inside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa after publicly *rejecting the recently amended Electoral Act 2026 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The rejection came during a high‑profile press conference where leaders described the new law as anti‑democratic and threatening to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition, led by figures including former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, Ajuri Ahmed of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other prominent voices, faulted key provisions of the Act; especially clauses allowing manual result collation and limiting real‑time electronic transmission of polling unit results. They argued the law could undermine transparency, deepen electoral manipulation and entrench the governing party’s advantage.
In response, the coalition called for the National Assembly to commence a fresh amendment process and vowed to use constitutional means to resist implementation of the legislation ahead of elections widely seen as decisive for Nigeria’s democratic future.
The confrontation has ignited heated debate among civil society, political analysts and within the ruling party, reflecting widening fault lines over electoral reform and democratic credibility in the run‑up to 2027.
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