By EHIGIMETOR IGBAUGBA

The Police Command in Cross River has confirmed the death of a woman following a stampede at an empowerment programme organised by the wife of the state governor in Ogoja on Thursday.

The Command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Calabar.

According to him, two women were rescued and taken to the General Hospital, Ogoja, for medical attention, but one of them, identified as Mary Oga from Imaje in Yala Local Government Area, was later pronounced dead.

Eitokpah said the incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. during the programme attended by the governor’s wife, Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, and her entourage.

He said the crowd reportedly grew as attendees sought to obtain empowerment items, resulting in the stampede.

According to him, police and other security personnel responded to control the crowd and restore order.

He said the Command was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the sequence of events and the crowd-control response.

Eitokpah said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ajo Ordue, commiserated with the family of the deceased and wished the surviving victim a speedy recovery.

The Commissioner emphasised the need for proper crowd management, adequate safety arrangements, and effective coordination at public gatherings.

The police spokesman said the surviving woman remained under medical care, adding that her condition would be communicated when verified and appropriate for release.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information while the review continued.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and promised to provide further updates as necessary. (NAN)