Rally stampede claims lives of Buhari supporters

• Posted on February 13, 2019
• by Ellsamwise King
• Comment

Political campaigns ahead of Nigeria’s presidential election on Saturday have continued to be marred by unfortunate incidents, including violence and death.

On Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari’s office released a statement confirming the death of some of his supporters at a campaign rally.

The president “has just been informed of the tragic deaths of several members of his All Progressives Congress (APC) party in a stampede during a presidential rally held in Port Harcourt in Rivers State,” read part of the statement.

Local media said panic broke out at the end of the gathering, held inside the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, when crowds tried to force their way through a locked exit.

“Those from behind were pushing and putting pressure on those in front leading to some persons falling on the ground and being trampled upon,” said journalist Egufe Yafugborhi of the Vanguard newspaper.

The incident claimed at least 14 lives, according to a spokesman for the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

“There are others under medical attention at the Emergency Unit, so we can’t force a clear figure beyond what the situation is at the moment,” Kem Daniel-Elebiga told AFP.