Nigeria stampede: More than 30 people died at church event
More than 30 people were killed and others injured when a stampede broke out at a church event in the southeastern city of Port Harcourt, according to police and security officials.
Most of the casualties were children.
According to Olufemi Ayodele, regional spokesman for the Nigerian Civil Defense Force, the incident happened at a local polo club, where the nearby Kings Assembly Church held a donation drive.
“During the distribution of gift items, there was a stampede due to overcrowding,” he said. “The casualties are mainly children.”
Grace Woyengikuro Iringe-Koko, a spokeswoman for the state police, said the driving had not yet begun when the stampede happened. Woyengikuro Iringe-Koko said the crowd attempted to enter the venue, despite the fact that the gate was closed, leading to the fatal charge.
Woyengikuro Iringe-Koko said 31 people have been confirmed dead. She added that seven people were injured and hospitalized after the incident.