A programme organised to empower residents in Cross River State has ended in tragedy, leaving one woman dead and several others critically injured after a stampede in Ogoja.
A woman, identified as Mary Christiana Oga from Imaje in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, has died following a stampede during an empowerment programme organised by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu.
The incident occurred on Thursday during the distribution of empowerment items, including food, to residents in Ogoja.
According to reports, the victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Ogoja, for emergency medical attention. However, doctors later confirmed Oga dead, while several other victims remained on admission receiving treatment.
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the death, describing the circumstances surrounding the incident as a matter under review.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the crowd continued to swell as residents scrambled to obtain the items being distributed, resulting in a stampede that left several people injured.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed the deceased’s identity and said she was pronounced dead at the General Hospital, Ogoja.
He added that police officers and other security personnel responded to the incident, while the command continued to review the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Akata also stressed the importance of proper crowd management, adequate safety measures and effective coordination during public gatherings to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, officials of the Cross River State First Lady’s office had yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident as of the time of filing this report.
The tragedy has raised concerns about crowd control and safety arrangements at large public gatherings, particularly events involving the distribution of food and other relief materials.
Further details about the incident and the condition of the injured victims are still being awaited.
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