Ololade Adeyanju/
The number of deaths resulting from the stampede at the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday has risen to 14.
NewsmakersNG had earlier reported seven people dead in the stampede which occured when a crowd of supporters attempted to force open one of the gates of the Adokiye Amiesemaka Stadium venue of the rally as President Muhammadu Buhari was leaving.
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital confirmed that 14 dead bodies were brought in from the venue of rally.
The Public Relations officer of UPTH, Kem Daniel-Elebiga, reportedly said in an interview: “Yes, 14 dead bodies were brought to the hospital this evening from the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. I cannot ascertain the number persons at the Accident and emergency Ward.”
Four other persons were critically injured as they were marched on as people rushed to go home after the event.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident, but said four died.
Omoni said: “I can confirm to you that four persons died as a result of a stampede at the stadium on Tuesday. Four other persons are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.”
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Garba Shehu, said in a statement that the Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of the APC supporters, and also extended deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
While wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured, the President described the deaths as “needless loss of lives and an anti-climax to a highly successful outing” in the oil city that could have been averted if there was an orderly exit from the venue.
“It is indeed a great tragedy that Nigerians who have important roles to play in shaping the future of the country and had come to see and hear from us how hard their government is working to build a Nigeria of their dreams, would meet their end in this unfortunate circumstance.
“I assure the people, with all sense of responsibility, that the party and the government will do everything possible to ensure the well-being and safety of our citizens as they troop out to attend rallies and all other political events,” the President said.
President Buhari assured the government and the people of Rivers State as well as the affected families of the support and prayers of the Federal Government during this difficult time.
The President prayed Almighty God to grant the souls of the deceased repose.
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