The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the death of a woman, identified as Mary Christiana Oga from Imaje, Yala Local Government Area, following a stampede at an empowerment programme organised by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu. The police said two women were rescued and rushed to the General Hospital, Ogoja, where one was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, who said the circumstances surrounding the incident were being reviewed.
Key Highlights
- Cross River Police confirm one death following a stampede at an empowerment programme.
- The deceased was identified as Mary Christiana Oga from Imaje, Yala Local Government Area.
- Two women were rescued and taken to General Hospital, Ogoja, for medical attention.
- One victim was pronounced dead, while the second remains under medical care.
- The programme was attended by the wife of Cross River State Governor, Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and her entourage.
- Police have called for proper crowd management and improved safety arrangements at public gatherings.
Cross River Police Confirm Death After Empowerment Programme Stampede
According to the police statement, the incident occurred during an empowerment programme attended by the governor’s wife and her entourage.
ASP Akata said the crowd reportedly continued to grow as attendees gathered to obtain empowerment items, leading to the stampede.
Two women were rescued from the scene and transported to the General Hospital, Ogoja, for treatment. However, medical personnel later confirmed the death of Mary Christiana Oga.
The police said the second woman remained under medical care, adding that further information about her condition would be released when verified and appropriate for public disclosure.
Police Begin Review of Stampede Circumstances
The Cross River State Police Command said it was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish what happened.
The incident has renewed concerns about crowd control, emergency preparedness and the safety of participants at public empowerment programmes, particularly where large numbers of people gather to receive assistance or other benefits.
The command emphasised the need for organisers of public events to implement adequate safety measures and ensure effective coordination to prevent similar incidents.
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Cross River Police Commissioner Commiserates With Family
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the surviving victim a speedy recovery.
According to the police spokesperson, the commissioner also stressed the importance of proper crowd management, adequate safety arrangements and effective coordination at public gatherings.
The command’s review of the incident is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the stampede and identify any lessons for the planning and management of similar events.
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