By Godwin Anene
President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign rally to Port Harcourt in Rivers State on Tuesday ended in a sad note as no fewer than 14 persons including women were reported to have died at the rally.
The victims were alleged to have been stampeded to death during the campaign rally held at the Adokiya Amesieamaka Stadium – venue of the rally – which was besieged by thousands of APC supporters.
Tens of All Progressives Supporters (APC) supporters and those had come to trade at the venue were also severely injured when the rally turned rowdy.
WARRI TODAY gathered that the victims were feared dead in an exit stampede following closure of proceedings at the Tuesday’s rally attended by bigwigs of the APC including its National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and Rotimi Amaechi.
Our correspondent learnt that among the dead are six women.
They were said to have been stampled on as rally spectators made to force their way through a locked exit on the trail of the President as he leaves the stadium.
Meanwhile the Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, has confirmed fourteen persons dead while some survivors are under medical attention over the the fatal stampede.
Kem Daniel-Elebiga, UPTH Public Relations Officer, said, “I can confirm 14 persons dead at I speak. Initially it was six, but the figures can change as they bring them and are being examined.
“There are other under medical attention at the Emergency Unit, so we can’t force a clear figure beyond what the situation is at the moment.”
The Police Command in Rivers state is yet to respond on the tragic development as phone calls and text enquiries to Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni had not been responded to the time of filing this report.
