At least thirty-one people have reportedly died during a stampede at the Port Harcourt Polo Club while rushing to get giveaways from Kings Assembly International Churchs Free shopping programme.
The programme is aimed at helping the less-privileged in society.
According to eyewitnesses, thousands of people gathered at the venue as early as 2.000am, and were trying to force their way into the premises resulting in a stampede and deaths.
As of the time of filing this report, over 30 dead bodies were counted so far, including a pregnant lady and three children.
The programme, titled: Shop for Free, was organised to help the less privileged get gifts and other items free of charge.
The incident occurred when the organisers of the programme failed to adequately control the crowd who tried to force their way into the venue, thereby causing a serious stampede which resulted in a loss of lives.
Although the church has not reacted to the unfortunate incident, it was learnt that some of the top elders of the church have been arrested and detained at the Olu-Obasanjo Police Division.
Among the church officials arrested were the organisers of the programme, including the Church Legal Adviser. A mobile policeman was also disarmed by the Olu-Obasanjo Police Station, as it was discovered that the officer was on illegal duty.
A pregnant woman and her three children were among the dead. Other people who were injured were rushed to the hospital.
When contacted, the Rivers State Police Commands spokesman, DSP Grace Woyengikuro Iringe-Koko, confirmed the tragedy, saying 31 people died during the stampede.
She said many other people were injured and that the command was still investigating the matter.
