One Dead, Several Injured in Otu’s Wife’s Empowerment Stampede

One woman has died and several others sustained critical injuries following a stampede during an empowerment programme organised by the wife of the Cross River State Governor, Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, in Ogoja Local Government Area.

The deceased, identified as Mary Christiana Oga from Imaje in Yala Local Government Area, reportedly died after victims of the incident were rushed to the General Hospital, Ogoja, for medical attention.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as a crowd gathered to receive empowerment items, including food supplies, distributed during the programme.

Eyewitnesses said the crowd continued to swell as attendees struggled to obtain the items, resulting in a stampede that left several people injured.

The injured victims were taken to the General Hospital, Ogoja, where they received treatment. As of Thursday night, several people were reportedly still undergoing medical care.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command said two women were rescued following the stampede, while Mary Christiana Oga was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the Command was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He explained that police officers and other security personnel responded when the stampede occurred, taking steps to control the crowd and restore order.

Akata said the investigation would examine the circumstances that led to the incident, including the crowd control measures put in place during the gathering.

The police also reiterated the importance of adequate crowd management, proper safety arrangements and effective coordination at public events to prevent avoidable tragedies.

The incident has raised concerns about crowd safety at large public gatherings, particularly events where large numbers of people converge to receive relief materials or empowerment items.

Efforts to obtain a response from officials of the Cross River State First Lady's office were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.