Death toll in Nigerian politcal rally stampede rises to 20

[News_Editor]

Death toll in Nigerian politcal rally stampede rises to 20

2011-05-30 20:03:14 GMT+7 (ICT)

ILORIN, NIGERIA (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll in last Friday's deadly stampede in the southwestern region of Nigeria rose to at least 20, after people rushed to receive free garments that would be used during another political rally on Sunday, local media reported Monday.

The incident occurred last Friday in Ilorin, located in Nigeria's Kwara State, as free garments and some stipends were being distributed at the city's campaign building, which is commonly known as the 'mandate house.' The garments would be used at another political rally on Sunday, organized by newly elected governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Nigeria's Next reported.

On Friday, former governor Bukola Saraki thanked the people for their support during the past years, but when he asked the audience of some 5,000 to lineup in order to receive clothing garments and money, a fence collapsed, causing people to panic, which eventually lead to the deadly stampede.

Government officials said the incident had caused the loss of two lives, according to a statement signed by Saraki's spokesperson Masu'd Adebimpe, blaming the tragedy on hoodlums who caused the stampede.

However, according to the media outlet, hospitals receiving victims were unable to help many of the reported injured people as they had only received 'dead bodies.' One hospital reportedly received eleven bodies, while another received an additional nine.

Nonetheless, no news regarding the number of fatal victims had been released due to security reasons.

Nigeria's Sunday Tribune, meanwhile, reported that some 30 people had died during the incident.

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