Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq, has indicated that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is carrying out assessment of the stampede which occurred in Rivers state at the weekend.
A statement by the special adviser to the minister on media Nneka Ikem Anibeze said scores of worshippers reportedly lost their lives and many others injured during a stampede at a religious event held at the Port Harcourt Polo Club.
The incident happened while as many worshipers were rushing to get giveaways during a Church programme.
Anibeze quoted the Minister to have expressed sadness at the disaster saying that NEMA was already on ground to assist in recovering bodies and taking survivors to hospital for treatment.
“Immediately we heard of the stampede, NEMA swung into action through the State SEMA and other immediate respondents including the police, to rescue the injured and those trapped in the stampede.
“ Efforts are being made to immediately provide relief for the injured after NEMA’s assessment. “We thank other rescue agencies of the Federal Government who assisted in rescue operations at the stampede site and send our heart felt condolences to the people and government of Rivers state as well as families of the victims. We pray for the repose of the souls of the dead”, Umar Farouq stated.
The church programme, titled ‘Shop for Free,’ was organized by a church to help the less privileged get gifts and other food items for free.
