Three Dead, 20 Injured At Newly Built Akwa Ibom Stadium Stampede

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, Sports News Saturday, November 8th, 2014

FROM IGNATIUS OKPARA, Uyo,

Three persons were on Friday trapped to death while more than 20 were seriously injured during the formal opening of the new Akwa Ibom ultra modern International Stadium, in Uyo the state capital.

African Examiner reports that apart from the stampede, security agents at the gate dispensed teargas canisters on fans, who were attempting to enter the stadium.

It was also gathered that those injured during the tragedy were left helpless for several minutes before the medical team at the stadium came to attend to them.

One of the injured victims, Mr. Wisdom Amaowo, told journalists that he was pushed inside the gate by a security operative who also dispensed teargas canisters on him.

According to him, “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, who confirmed the ugly incident, said no dead had been recorded.

Bassey said he was aware of the situation at the gate as fans tried to force their ways into the stadium. Some of the spectators were said to be without tickets.

He claimed over 150 medical personnel were on ground to attend to injured victims.