15 people Feared Dead at APC rally in Port Harcourt

Nothing less than 15 people have been reported dead in a stampede at a campaign rally for Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, a hospital spokesman stated.

The unfortunate incident happened at a stadium in Port Harcourt when the crowd surged towards a gate after President Buhari's delivered his speech shortly after 3 PM local time (14:00 GMT) on Tuesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium.

Mr Buhari, the incumbent President is running for a second term in office in an envisaged tightly contested elections due to be held on Saturday, 16th of February. Former erstwhile Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is seen as the other major contender in the coming election.

The two contenders have signed a pact in Abuja the state capital of Nigeria, pledging to promote peace and follow the legal process if any dispute occurs after the vote.

Most of the victims were reported to have fallen and been trampled on as the crowd tried to force its way through a partially locked gate to follow Mr. Buhari as he left the arena.

According to spokesman Ken Daniel Elebiga, he stated that the bodies of twelve women and three men were taken to the mortuary at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. He also added that twelve people were admitted for treatment but three have since been discharged.

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