Over 20 killed in Port Harcourt church stampede

At least 21 persons have been reported dead in a stampede at a new generation church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

A witness said the incident occurred during the church’s gift and food items distribution.

The witness said some of the invitees have been at the venue since Friday while others have been there as early as 6.30am this morning, for an event programmed to start by 9am.

“The incident happened this morning. The church invited people for it’s fourth edition of food and gift items distribution. Some came since Friday while many others came as early as 6.30am 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 one dead bodies on the ground,” he said.

He said many victims had been hospitalized in Port Harcourt.

The spokesperson of the police in the state, Iringe Grace Koko, when contacted, said she was proceeding to the scene of the incident to get detailed information.