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.