No fewer than 21 persons are feared dead in an early morning stampede at a new generation church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to a witness, the incident happened during the fourth edition of the church’s gift and food items distribution.
The witness said some of the invitees arrived on Friday while others arrived as early as 6.30 am this morning for an event that was supposed to start by 9 am.
The witness said some persons who were supposed to have a sports session arrived at about 8 am and opened the small gate which allowed the surging crowd to force their way in, resulting in the stampede.
READ ALSO: Why EFCC violently arrested Okorocha at his Abuja residence
“The incident happened this morning. The church invited people for its fourth edition of food and gift items distribution. Some came on Friday while many others came as early as 6.30 am on Saturday.
“Those who were engaged in sporting activities opened the small gate and the surging crowd wanted to gain access through the small gate and got stampeded. I counted about 21 dead bodies on the ground,” he said.
He said many victims had been taken to an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.
When contacted the Rivers state Police Command Public Relations Officer, Fringe Grace Koko, said she was on her way to the scene of the incident to get accurate information.