14 dead, eight injured as Buhari holds rally in Port Harcourt

 At least fourteen persons were confirmed dead on Tuesday following the departure of President Muhammadu Buhari from the Amiesimaka stadium  in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he went to campaign for his re-election. 

Asides those killed, eight others were also confirmed to be receiving treatment at the hospital.

They were reportedly stampeded by the crowd which was forcing its way out of the stadium premises after the President ended the rally with his speech.

Read also: APC accuses Gov Amosun of sponsoring physical attacks on Buhari, promise sanction

Three middle-aged women and a man were seen lying lifeless on the ground one of whose body was returned after efforts by a private vehicle owner to rush her to the hospital failed as she gave up the ghost in the process.  

Nnamdi Imoni,  the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that four persons died while four other persons were receiving treatment  at a hospital .

Omoni said, “I can confirm to you that four persons died as a result of a stampede at the stadium on Tuesday. Four other persons are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.”

But the University of Port Harcourt (UPTH) said it received 14 dead bodies who were brought to the hospital apart from unconfirmed numbers of people at the emergency ward.

The Public Relations officer of UPTH, Kem Daniel-Elebiga, said, “Yes, 14 dead bodies were brought to the hospital this evening from the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

“I cannot ascertain the number of persons at the Accident and emergency Ward,” he added.

The President alongside stalwarts of the party, including the National chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and a former governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi were present at the really.

The National leader of the party and Co-chair of the presidential campaign council, Bola Tinubu was missing after being sited throwing away the flag of the party at a similar rally in Ogun State the previous Dayan Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

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