Crimes

31 feared dead in Rivers church stampede

No fewer than 31 persons were feared dead in a Pentecostal church, Kings Assembly in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Saturday morning during the church’s free gifts and food items distribution.

A mammoth crowd was said to have stormed Polo Club in the state capital, the venue of the items’ distribution, leading to a stampede.

It was gathered that 31 persons died in the stampede while many others were hospitalised.

The people were said to have died after they attempted to push through a small entrance.

Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said 31 persons died in the stampede.

READ ALSO: Gunmen attack Kukah’s church in Katsina, abduct priests, others

He stated: “31 persons died. It was a stampede because a church was trying to give out palliatives.

“They were about to start the event at about 9am but some persons went there and broke into the place and went inside.

“So people started rushing in and there was a stampede.

“From the information we have, the church was trying to gift items and food to assist the underprivileged,” the police spokesperson said.

Iringe-Koko added that investigation has commenced to ascertain the causes of the incident.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Popular Pastor Agbala Gabriel under fire over fraud, sex claims

An Ibadan-based cleric, Kayode Amusan, popularly known as Agbala Gabriel, has come under intense public…

47 minutes ago

Lagos to resume monthly environmental sanitation April 25

The Lagos State Government has announced the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, nearly…

55 minutes ago

Teenager stabs 18-year-old friend to death in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested one Johnson Daniel for allegedly stabbing his 18-year-old…

2 hours ago

Terrorists kill 6 farmers in Benue

Terrorists have killed six cashew farmers during an attack on Asaba, Ojantele, and Okpette communities…

2 hours ago

Bandit leader attacks Katsina community, imposes multi-million naira levy amid failed peace talks

Peace negotiations between the Katsina State Government and armed bandit groups in Faskari Local Government…

2 hours ago

Ex-Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu dies at 62

Former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu has died at the age of 62. His death…

3 hours ago

This website uses cookies.