Published on : 28/05/2022 – 21:56
At least 31 people died on Saturday after a stampede in the city of Port Harcourt, in southern Nigeria. It was during a food distribution made by a church that the drama took place.
The King’s Assembly Pentecostals had decided to relocate their “Shop for free” charity event to a polo field capable of accommodating a large crowd because they deemed their church too cramped for the event, according to local press. .
But that was not enough to avert the tragedy that occurred around 9 a.m. local time on Saturday. As organizers were about to begin their distribution of food and various other supplies to the city’s destitute, hundreds of people suddenly burst into the designated hall, while others lined up. since yesterday.
Everyone therefore rushed forward and there was a stampede, says the local press. In addition to the death toll of 31, ” at least seven others are injured and are being treated in hospitals in Port Harcourt according to Deputy Rivers State Police Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko.
It is not the first time that the Nigeria, the leading economic power on the African continent, is experiencing such a disaster. Seven women were trampled to death by mobs last year during a food distribution by an aid agency in northern Borno state. In the country, 40% of the population lives below the poverty lineaccording to the World Bank.