Nigeria: 31 dead in a stampede during a food distribution by a church

Aerial view of the city of Port Harcourt.

AFP/Ekpei Utomi Pius

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

At least 31 people died on Saturday after a stampede in the city of Port Harcourt, in southern Nigeria.

It was during a food distribution made by a church that the drama took place.

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The King's Assembly Pentecostals had decided to relocate their "Shop for free" charity event to a polo field capable of accommodating a large crowd because they deemed their church too cramped for the event, according to local press. .

But that was not enough to avert the tragedy that occurred around 9 a.m. local time on Saturday.

As organizers were about to begin their distribution of food and various other supplies to the city's destitute, hundreds of people suddenly burst into the designated hall, while others lined up. since yesterday.

Everyone therefore rushed forward and there was a stampede, says the local press.

Along with the death toll of 31, "

 ", according to Rivers State Police Deputy Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko .

This is not the first time that

, the first economic power on the African continent, has experienced such a disaster.

Seven women were trampled to death by mobs last year during a food distribution by an aid agency in northern Borno state.

In the country, 40% of the population

, according to the World Bank.

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