OVER 20 DEAD FOLLOWING STAMPEDE IN UKE, ANAMBRA STATE

The Anambra state Police Command has commenced full scale investigations into the death of some persons at Holy Ghost Adoration Ground in Uke, Idemili North Local Government of Anambra on Saturday. The Police Public Relations Officer DSP Emeka Chukwuemeka in a telephone interview with correspondent Onuora Aninwobodo said two Deputy Inspector-Generals of Police Kachy Ugorji and Philemon Leha have visited the scene of the incident. 

The Command spokesman said for now the cause of the death is believed to be stampede, but investigation will reveal if there is other extraneous forces.  

He maintained that the number of deaths cannot be ascertained until investigations are concluded.

ADDITIONAL REPORT 

NO fewer than 25 persons, who attended the weekly crusade at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State, lost their lives during a stampede at the end of the ceremony in the early hours of Saturday.

The crusade, organized by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obinma for prayers, healing and spiritual retreat, attracts thousands of people, but the one that was held Saturday, on the Feast of All Saints turned tragic.

AFTER THE STAMPEDE (courtesy Vanguard)

As estimated 100,000 worshippers attended the crusade because, apart from coinciding with the Feast of All Saints, it was also the first Saturday of the month.

Apart from the dead 25, whose bodies were said to have been deposited at Immaculate Heart Hospital and Maternity, Nkpor and Charles Borromew Hospital, Onitsha, several others, who sustained various degrees of injuries, are receiving treatment in various hospitals in Onitsha.

The campaign organisations of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and All Progressives Congress, APC are currently trading blames as to the cause of the tragedy.