Over 39 persons have been confirmed dead, and many others unconscious at a programme organized by Kings Assemblies Church in Port Harcourt Polo Club, Port Harcourt, River State Nigeria, following a stampede which occurred at a free shopping programme.
The programme, titled ‘Shop for Free, was organized to help the less privileged get gifts and other items free of charge.
According to profjaysblog, whose correspondent spoke to us, 39 dead bodies have been counted so far, including a pregnant lady and three children.
The ugly incident occurred when the organizers of the program failed to adequately control the crowd who tried to have their way into the venue, thereby causing serious stampede which resulted in loss of lives.
When asked why the smaller gate was opened instead of the bigger gate, one of the organizers said they were yet to receive instructions from above, hence, their reasons for not opening the gate of the venue for the audience.
Jungle-Journalist.Com also gathered that some of the victims had come from Aba a day before the incident.
As at the time of this report, some of the organizers of the program have been arrested including the Church Legal Adviser.
A mobile police man was also disarmed by the Olu-Obasanjo Police Station as it was discovered that he went on “illegal” duty at the programme.