An empowerment programme organised by the City Boys Movement for residents of Nigeria’s South-East ended in chaos as participants scrambled for livelihood support items.
The event, which took place at Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square in Owerri, quickly turned into a free-for-all as attendees rushed to grab items meant for beneficiaries.
Items reportedly set aside for distribution included sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, and laptops intended to support small businesses and self-employment.
Despite the presence of security operatives, the surging crowd broke through barricades and overwhelmed the venue while struggling to access the empowerment items.
More Read
The situation reportedly escalated just as the National Leader of the City Boys Movement, Seyi Tinubu, was preparing to begin the official distribution to selected beneficiaries.
Earlier at the event, the movement’s director in Imo State, Pascal Ikechukwu, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for collaboration with the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Ikechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, the South-East must seek partnership with the federal government in order to secure its fair share of national opportunities.
More Read
“What we have shown you today is abundant love, and we expect that in return. Ndigbo, we are people defeated in war. It is not easy for us. We are just seeking a fair share,” he said.
He added that the region has resolved to work with the government at the centre rather than continue political confrontations.
The chaotic scene, however, disrupted the planned distribution process, as the crowd struggled to gain access to the empowerment items before officials could organise the beneficiaries.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
