Categories: metro

31 killed in P’Harcourt church free-food stampede

Thirty-one persons have been confirmed dead in Port Harcourt, Rivers capital, following a stampede at the venue of a church programme.

The programme — ‘Shop for Free’ — organised by The King’s Assembly was reportedly scheduled to begin at 9am on Saturday.

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 scored of persons.

Spokesperson for the Rivers police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirming the development, said, “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.”

It was learnt that it was not 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, would also be 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 read.

 

“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 food stuff 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.

Trends Admin

Recent Posts

[Breaking] Ondo election: Aiyedatiwa defeats Ajayi, wins all 18 LGs

[Breaking] Ondo election: Aiyedatiwa defeats Ajayi, wins all 18 LGs Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the…

10 mins ago

Senator Adeola to INEC: Adopt NIN, driving licence as voter’s card like Ogun

Senator Adeola to INEC: Adopt NIN, driving licence as voter's card like Ogun     …

2 hours ago

UK introduces new visa for senior, specialist workers in multinational companies

UK introduces new visa for senior, specialist workers in multinational companies The UK government has…

4 hours ago

Ondo election: Again, INEC shifts collation of results to noon

Ondo election: Again, INEC shifts collation of results to noon The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has…

5 hours ago

Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash

Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash Four people, including a soldier, were…

5 hours ago

Helen Paul excited receiving Georgia citizen award

Helen Paul excited receiving Georgia citizen award The award certificate issued by Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State of the State of Georgia, reads: “May this outstanding citizen be offered every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from Georgia in her travels to other states, to nations beyond the borders of the United States of America, or wherever she may hereafter travel or reside. Thank you for your service to our state.” A female Senator from Georgia, who presented the award, praised Helen Paul, who had recently completed training as Substitute Teacher, ‘as an asset to the people of Georgia’. READ ALSO: Ndume tells…

5 hours ago