Fourteen persons were confirmed to have died during a stampede at the crowded All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Rally at Adokiya Amasieamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
Kem Daniel-Elebiga, Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, 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.
“Some survivors are under medical attention. 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.”
Most of the affected victims fell and were trampled over as teeming party supporters made to force their way through a locked exit gate on the trail of President Muhammadu Buhari as he left the stadium.
The Police Command in Rivers State is yet to respond on the tragic development as phone calls and text enquiries to Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni had not been responded to the time of filing this report.
Reacting last night, Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, said Rivers people will never support violence as orchestrated by leaders of Rivers APC.
Speaking during an interactive session between President Muhammadu Buhari and traditional rulers of Rivers State in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Electronics Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, said leaders who have imported war songs would not succeed.
He said: “Rivers State does not believe in violence and we will not support any dance for violence.
“Those who sing other people’s song for violence, they know what they achieve. They know what they gain.
“I want to assure the President that Rivers State is a peaceful state. It will never be a violent state. I will not support violence and Rivers people will not support violence.”
