Cross River: One dead, several injured in stampede at First Lady’s empowerment programme

A woman has died, while several others sustained critical injuries following a stampede during the distribution of food and other empowerment items at a programme organised by the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, in Ogoja on Thursday.

The deceased, identified as Mary Christiana Oga, was from Imaje in Yala Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred during the distribution of the items at the empowerment programme organised by the governor’s wife.

The victims were reportedly rushed to the General Hospital in Ogoja for medical attention, where doctors confirmed Oga dead.

Very Nigerian reported that several other victims were still receiving treatment at the hospital as of Thursday night.

The state police command confirmed the woman’s death.

According to eyewitnesses, the crowd reportedly continued to swell as residents scrambled to obtain the empowerment items, resulting in the stampede.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the circumstances surrounding the incident were being reviewed.

He explained that police officers and other security personnel responded during the stampede.

“The command is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the event.

“The deceased has been identified as Mary Christiana Oga of Imaje, Yala Local Government Area. She was pronounced dead at the General Hospital, Ogoja,” he said.

Akata said the police had consistently emphasised the importance of proper crowd management, adequate safety arrangements and effective coordination at public gatherings.

Officials of the Cross River State First Lady’s office had yet to respond to inquiries as of the time of filing this report.

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