31 persons confirmed dead in a stampede at a church's charity programme in Port Harcourt (photos)

31 persons confirmed dead in a stampede at a church’s charity programme in Port Harcourt (photos)

Thirty-one people were confirmed deceased today, May 28, in a stampede at a church function in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

The Kings Assembly, a church in Port Harcourt, encouraged members of the public to attend and receive gifts, including food. Some of the recipients arrived yesterday, while others arrived as early as 6 a.m. at the Polo Club’s gate, which was already crowded.

They all raced in as soon as the bouncers opened the gate. However, there was a stampede, which resulted in the deaths of some people.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the state Police Command’s acting spokesman, confirmed the event to newsmen.

”Thirty-one persons for now have been confirmed dead and those injured are responding to treatment. We are investigating to find out what really happened”