Local media reports that a horrific stampede at a church service resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people, including children. The horror incident happened during an event at King’s Assembly Church in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Up to 31 people have been reported dead, including children, local media report but it is feared the death toll could rise. An earlier report stated that among the victims were a pregnant woman and three children.
The tragic incident happened during an event at King’s Assembly Church in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
A pregnant woman and three children are thought to be among the victims.
Hundreds of people who had turned up to receive food at the church early on Saturday broke through a gate, causing the stampede, Grace Iringe-Koko, police spokesperson for Rivers state said.
“People were there earlier and some got impatient and started rushing, which led to stampeding. The police are on the ground monitoring the situation while the investigation is on going,” said Iringe-Koko.
According to one witness, people started arriving on Friday for the Saturday morning event while others arrived as early as 6.30am.
It was billed to start by 9am but a separate group arrived at 8am to use the space for a sports session, opening a small gate which the crowd rushed though.
A witness said the incident occurred during the church’s “Shop For Free Programme” to distribute gifts and food to celebrate its fourth anniversary. He said people started arriving on Friday while others arrived as early as 6.30am , even though the event was supposed to start by 9am.
The source added that a group of people who were supposed to have a sports session arrived at 8am and opened a small gate, giving the crowd the chance to force their way in. The source told Punch that most of the victims were taken to the nearby military hospital in Port Harcourt.
He said: “The incident happened this morning. The church invited people for its fourth edition of food and gift items distribution.
“Some came since Friday while many others came as early as 6.30am on Saturday.
“Those who were engaged in sporting activities opened the small gate and the surging crowd wanted to gain access through the small gate and got stampeded.
“I counted about 21 dead bodies on the ground.
“This is not the first time the church is holding this programme, but the crowd since yesterday till this morning is much.
“It was said that gift items and free food would be served. It is very painful”.
The acting spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident but has not revealed the number of victims yet.
