A woman has died following a stampede at an empowerment programme organized by the wife of the Cross River State governor, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, in Ogoja on Thursday.
The Police Command in Cross River confirmed the death on Friday.
ASP Sunday Eitokpah said two women were rescued and taken to the General Hospital, Ogoja, for medical attention, but one of them, Mary Ova, from Imaje in Yala Local Government Area, was later pronounced dead.
He said the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. while the governor’s wife and her entourage attended the programme.
The police spokesman, the crowd grew as attendees tried to obtain empowerment items, resulting in the stampede.
Police officers and other security personnel responded to control the crowd and restore order.
Also Read:Â Tears, agony as dozens of children die at funfair stampede
Eitokpah said the command was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the sequence of events and the crowd-control measures taken.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ajo Ordue, commiserated with the deceased’s family and wished the surviving victim a speedy recovery.
Ordue stressed the need for proper crowd management, adequate safety arrangements and effective coordination at public gatherings.
Eitokpah said the surviving woman remained under medical care, adding that the police would provide an update on her condition when the information had been verified and was appropriate for release.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information while the review continued.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged to provide further updates as necessary.
NAN
