At least 31 persons
have been confirmed dead in Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital, following a
stampede at the venue of a church programme in the state.
The programme — ‘Shop for Free’ — organised by The King’s
Assembly was scheduled to begin on Saturday morning.
However, there was a crowd at the venue of the event, which
was expected to offer free food items to attendees.
The movement of the crowd, which resulted in a stampede, led to the death of scores of persons.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson of the Rivers police command,
confirmed the development.
“There was a stampede in the said church and 31 persons were
confirmed dead at the military hospital,” she said.
“Everywhere is calm for now and there is peace.
Investigation is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, this isn’t the first edition of the church
programme, which is held annually.
It is, however, not clear if there were arrangements for
crowd control or for medical emergencies.
According to a message announcing the programme on the
church’s website, household items, furniture, shoes, among others, were also
available for attendees.
“For many, it is tough to get through each day. The economy
and the state of the nation has kept many out of job and left others with
little or nothing to cater for themselves or their loved ones. Hope seems like
a fluke and living a struggle,” the
message reads.
“It is to this end
that we host our annual event – ‘Shop for Free’, where we put God’s love into
action and reach out to those in our immediate community with encouragement to
keep hope alive.
“From foodstuff to household items, furniture and supplies,
clothes, shoes and sundry items for adults and kids, there is no limit to the
gift items that are given out during this event.
“You can be a part of this by dropping your gift items at
any of our locations on Service days or use the button below to either get gift
basket(s) for a home or make a cash gift to keep someone’s hope alive.”
Election time + 30 dead = Food Stampede??
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