The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed its condolences to Ndigbo, particularly the people of Okija community, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State over the tragic deaths of several individuals, mostly women, who were involved in a stampede while attempting to collect food items and palliatives distributed by a local philanthropist in the community.
According to a statement issued by IPOB’s Media Head, Emma Powerful, on Monday, the death of over 22 women in the stampede during the distribution of free food organized by Obi Jackson, an Okija philanthropist, is deeply regrettable. The statement noted that Obi Jackson’s charitable actions, which have involved distributing food items to women in Okija and surrounding communities during Christmas for years, were meant to assist the needy.
The statement stated that Obi Jackson’s philanthropic efforts should not be discouraged or demonized, as his intentions were rooted in goodwill.
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According to the statement, in a functioning society, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that poverty is not weaponized.
The IPOB also criticized the Nigerian government, arguing that the failure of the state to adequately care for its citizens is a major factor that has led individuals like Obi Jackson to step in and provide palliative support for the impoverished.
The statement further criticized Nigerian politicians for “weaponizing” poverty, citing the tragic deaths of over 80 Nigerians in December 2024 alone, in Anambra State, Abuja, and Ibadan.
The IPOB said that Obi Jackson should not be blamed for his efforts to help the hungry citizens, even though they resulted in unfortunate deaths.
However, the statement called for future food distribution efforts to be better organized, urging that proper procedures be implemented to avoid stampedes and other dangers.
It further suggested that in the future, food distribution should take place in smaller, more manageable settings, such as individual villages, rather than at one central location with an overwhelming crowd.
It stressed the importance of security measures to ensure the orderly distribution of aid.
The statement also referenced a well-known proverb: “Teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime; but if you give a man a fish, he will only eat for one meal.”
IPOB also called for a shift in approach, urging Igbo philanthropists to move away from food handouts and focus on providing resources that can help recipients become self-sufficient. IPOB further suggested distributing seedlings for planting, enabling people to return to farming and grow their own food, thereby reducing hunger.
IPOB encouraged wealthy Igbos to invest in creating job opportunities for struggling youths, as a means of addressing poverty.
The statement also urged Igbo business owners and professionals to bring their investments, factories, and industries to Alaigbo (Southeastern Nigeria) to create employment opportunities for the region’s youth.
IPOB once again expressed its sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in the Okija rice distribution stampede and hoped such a tragedy would not be repeated.
The statement reiterated IPOB’s call for an agricultural and industrial revolution in the Southeast as a way to address systemic poverty.
“We will not allow this to happen again,” the statement added.
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