Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq says the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA has begun an assessment of the stampede which occurred in Rivers State at the weekend.
Recall that over thirty worshippers lost their lives and some others were injured during a stampede at a religious event held at the Port Harcourt Polo Club while rushing to get giveaways during a Church programme.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Faces APC presidential Screening Today, Jonathan Missing on List
Umar Farouq who was displeased over the occurrence said NEMA was already on the ground to assist in recovering bodies and taking survivors to the hospital for treatment.
“Immediately we heard of the stampede, NEMA swung into action through the State SEMA and other immediate respondents including the police to rescue the injured and those trapped in the stampede.
Efforts are being made to immediately provide relief for the injured after NEMA’s assessment. We thank other rescue agencies of the Federal Government who assisted in rescue operations at the stampede site and send our heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Rivers state as well as the families of the victims. We pray for the repose of the souls of the dead”, Umar Farouq stated.
The church programme, titled ‘Shop for Free,’ was organized by a church to help the less privileged get gifts and other food items for free.
