14 dead in Buhari rally stampede in Nigeria
Wednesday February 13 2019
Security forces run by a group of supporters of the Nigeria's presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for the main opposition party People’s Democratic Party during a campaign rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square, in Lagos on February 12, 2019. Several people were killed Tuesday when a stampede erupted at a campaign rally of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. PHOTO | STEFAN | HEUNIS | AFP
At least 14 people were killed in a stampede on Tuesday at a campaign rally of President Muhammadu Buhari in Rivers State, southeastern Nigeria.
Though the oil rich state is not a traditional stronghold of President Buhari, the rally held three days ahead of the vote, drew out large crowds at the Adokiye Ameisimaka stadium in the state capital Port Harcourt.
Mayhem erupted soon after All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Mr Buhari, exited the stadium having ended his speech at around 3pm. Local media reported that thousands of supporters tried to force their way through a locked exit to follow the president's convoy.
Several people were injured and rushed to hospital for treatment.
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) spokesman Mr Kem Daniel-Elebiga said the facility received 14 bodies from the stadium.
“Twelve people are receiving treatment at the emergency ward," Mr Daniel-Elebiga said.
River States police spokesman Nnamdi Omoni said investigations into the stampede had begun.
“Anybody found culpable is to be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Nigerians go to the polls on Saturday.
Mr Buhari’s main challenger is People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a businessman and former vice president.