VERY SAD - Three Feared Dead, 20 Injured In Uyo Stadium Stampede

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio

Media reports are reporting that three persons have been feared dead and over 20 injured in a stampede during the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo yesterday.

GRAPHITTI NEWS cites this report from The Punch:

Apart from the stampede which led to the death of the affected people, security men at the gate dispensed tear gas canisters on those trying to gain entry into the stadium. Our correspondent learnt in Uyo on Friday that some of those who sustained injury during the stampede lay for several minutes while the medical team at the stadium had yet to attend to their cases.

One of the injured victims, Mr. Wisdom Amaowo, said he was pushed inside the gate by a security operative who also dispensed tear gas canisters on him.

He said, “After the policeman dispensed the tear gas canisters on me, I became unconscious and did not know when I was moved to where you now see me.

“Right now, I cannot bend; you can see many bruises and cut on my arms, legs and other parts of my body.

“Since I have been brought here, there is no one from the medical section of the stadium that has come to my aid.”

The state Commissioner for Health, Mr. Emem-Abasi Bassey, confirmed the incident, but said no dead had been recorded.

He stated that he was aware of the situation at the gate as many people, both those with tickets and those without the tickets were trying to gain entry into the gates.

Bassey added that 150 medical personnel were on ground to attend to injured victims.

“We have just revived a woman whose condition was terrible as a result of the stampede. We are completely in control of the situation,” he said.

The commissioner, however, attributed the stampede to excitement as many people wanted to gain access to the stadium.

The Nest of Champions: the Akwa Ibom International Stadium is modelled after the Allianz Arena in Germany, the home ground of reigning German Champions Bayern Munich, the Stadium boasts 4 -tier, covered, seating terrace,  all-natural grass, high-tech floodlights and security cameras, 36 emergency exits, bullet proof VVIP and VIP along with other ultra-modern facilities. The stadium was commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan with two other West African presidents, John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Allasane Quattara of Cote dÍvoire and one former president, Jerry Rawlings of Ghana in attendance as well as International friendly match between archrivals, Super Eagles B Team of Nigeria and Black Meteors of Ghana on Friday, November 7 about 7.30pm.