14 Persons Reportedly Stampede To Death At Buhari Port Harcourt Rally

No fewer than 14 persons were reportedly stampede to death at the overcrowded President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign rally to Port Harcourt in Rivers State on Tuesday.

The rally which was held Adokiya Amesieamaka Stadium had tumultuous turnout that the crowd became uncontrollable.

Reports say 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.

The reports added the victims were reportedly 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. 

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“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 Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni has not responded to journalists enquiries as at the time of filing this report.

Rivers State is a PDP controlled state being governed by Governor Nyesom Wike but former governor of the state and now Minister for transportation, Rotimi Amaechi still has a firm grip of political structure in the oil rich state.