Numerous people are believed to have died in a stampede just before the start of a program organized by a new generation church in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Though the church known as ‘Kings Assembly’ is located in the GRA axis of the metropolis, the program was held at the Polo Club in Rivers State capital to accommodate the usual large congregation.
The church had invited members of the public to come and receive gift items and food for its fourth anniversary, according to reports.
According to a source, some of the invitees arrived on Friday evening, while others arrived as early as 6.30 a.m. on Saturday morning for an event scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
According to him, the majority of the victims were taken to a nearby military hospital in Port Harcourt.
“As I speak with you, I have counted 21 corpse at the military hospital. I heard some were taken to a different facility.
“This is not the first time the church is holding this programme, but the crowd since yesterday (Friday) till this morning is much.
“It was said that gift items and free food would be served. It is very painful,” the source who pleaded anonymity stated.
It was learnt that the small gate leading into the venue was pushed open on Saturday morning to enable them occupy good positions leading to a stampede.
When contacted, the acting spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, but could not give a figure just yet.
“I am doing a press statement on the incident. It would be released soon,” she stated.
