A woman has been confirmed dead in a stampede at an empowerment programme organised by the wife of the state governor in Ogoja.
The Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, made this known confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Eitokpah said two women were rescued and taken to the General Hospital in Ogoja for treatment, but one of them, identified as Mary Oga from Imaje in Yala Local Government Area, was later pronounced dead.
Eitokpah said the incident occurred during the programme attended by the governor’s wife, Eyoanwan Otu and her entourage at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.
He stated that the crowd grew as attendees sought to obtain empowerment items, resulting in the stampede.
According to him, police and other security personnel responded to control the crowd and restore order.
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He noted that the Command was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the sequence of events and the crowd-control response.
The police spokesman said the surviving woman remained under medical care, adding that her condition would be communicated when verified and appropriate for release.
Eitokpah quoted the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Ajo Ordue, as commiserating with the family of the deceased and wishing the surviving victim a speedy recovery.
The police commissioner emphasised the need for proper crowd management, adequate safety arrangements, and effective coordination at public gatherings.
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