A woman, Mary Christiana Oga of Imaje, Yala Local Government Area, has been confirmed dead, while several others were critically injured in a stampede during the distribution of empowerment items, including food, at a programme organised by Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, wife of Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, in Ogoja on Thursday.
The victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Ogoja, where doctors pronounced Christiana dead.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that several others were receiving treatment at the hospital as of last night.
The state police command confirmed the woman’s death.
According to eyewitnesses, the crowd reportedly continued to swell as residents scrambled to obtain the empowerment items, resulting in the stampede.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the circumstances surrounding the incident were being reviewed.
He explained that police officers and other security personnel responded during the stampede.
“The command is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the event.
“The deceased has been identified as Mary Christiana Oga of Imaje, Yala Local Government Area. She was pronounced dead at the General Hospital, Ogoja,” he said.
Akata said the police had consistently emphasised the importance of proper crowd management, adequate safety arrangements and effective coordination at public gatherings.
Officials of the Cross River State First Lady’s office had yet to respond to inquiries as of the time of filing this report.