A woman has died and several others sustained critical injuries following a stampede during an empowerment programme organised by Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, wife of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, in Ogoja.
The incident occurred on Thursday as residents scrambled to collect empowerment items, including food, distributed during the programme.
The deceased, identified as Mary Christiana Oga from Imaje in Yala Local Government Area, was taken alongside other victims to the General Hospital in Ogoja, where doctors confirmed her death. Several injured persons were reportedly receiving medical treatment at the facility.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the fatality and said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said 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,” Akata said.
He stressed the importance of proper crowd management, adequate safety measures and effective coordination during public gatherings to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, officials from the Cross River State First Lady’s office had yet to respond to inquiries about the incident as of the time of reporting.
