Anambra Stampede: Obiano Condoles Bereaved Families

BY AUGUSTINE AMINU

The APGA’s gubernatorial candidate for the November 16, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has condoled the families who lost loved ones in the stampede that took place Friday night at the Adoration Ground of the St. Dominic Catholic Church, Uke in Idemili Local Government Area of the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by Head, Media and Communications Willie Obiano Campaign Organisation James Eze in Awka, even as the state police command says it has begun investigation into the incident.

It said that the 16 worshippers allegedly met their untimely death following a stampede caused by an indiscriminate firing of bangers into the air at the venue by a group of youths suspected to be ardent fans of one of the gubernatorial candidates in the state.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate and depressing,” Chief Obiano wondered why politics in the state should degenerate to a level where worshippers no longer feel safe to worship their God in a sacred place as an Adoration Ground.

He implored the bereaved families to take heart assuring them that his thoughts and those of his family are with them in this moment of grief.

“I pray the Almighty God to console you and give you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. God bless you now and always,” Chief Obiano stated.

The APGA flag-bearer however urged his fellow contestants to eschew the current politics of bitterness and acrimony in the state and embrace civilized practices that would create room for a peaceful conduct of the coming election in the state.

Meanwhile, the police has commenced investigations into the cause of death of some persons at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ground in Uke, Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, DSP Emeka Chukwuemeka, made the disclosure in an interview on Saturday in Uke.

He said the incident occurred at the prayer ground in the early hours of Saturday.
The police image maker further said that two Deputy Inspector-Generals of Police (DIGs); Kachy Ugorji and Philemon Leha, responded to the news by visiting the scene of the incident.

``The number of deaths cannot be ascertained now until we conclude investigations because some persons who fainted were later resuscitated,” he said.

Gov. Peter Obi and Sen. Chris Ngige were among the early callers at the scene of the incident to commiserate with the victims.

Meanwhile, Gov. Obi had promised to set up a panel of enquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the incident.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Valentine Obieyem, quoted the governor as expressing shock over the incident.

The governor promised to take care of the medical bills of the victims.