Kenneth Afor
The River State Police Command on Tuesday said two persons died while others sustained injuries during a scramble for Christmas palliatives by registered members of a non-profit organisation.
According to Nnamdi Omoni, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in a statement, INKSNATION, the organisation were distributing palliatives to its members from Ikwerre, Emohua and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, when suddenly there was a stampede leading to the death of two people.
“I can confirm the incident of this morning, at an Event centre, along the Rumuodara axis of the East/West Road, Obio/Akpor LGA, where palliatives were being distributed by INKSNATION, a Non-Governmental Organisation to her registered members from Ikwerre, Emohua and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, when suddenly there was a stampede leading to the death of two people, while some sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
“Meanwhile the situation is under control. The Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph G Mukan has instituted immediate probe into the unfortunate incident with a view to ascertaining the circumstances and bringing persons found culpable to Justice,” Omoni, said in a statement he issued to journalists.
Reports that due to poor crowd management and the surge of persons who were not invited, the situation got out of control, thereby leading to a stampede.
