Buhari mourns victims of Port Harcourt APC rally stampede

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness at the death of four supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at its presidential rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers state on Tuesday.

A statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), in Abuja, said the President has been briefed about the tragic death of some party supporters in a stampede at the presidential campaign rally.

It said the President is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and extends deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.

According to the statement, the President described the deaths as “needless loss of lives and an anti-climax to a highly successful outing” in the oil city that could have been averted if there was an orderly exit from the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

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“It is indeed a great tragedy that Nigerians who have important roles to play in shaping the future of the country and had come to see and hear from us how hard their government is working to build a Nigeria of their dreams, would meet their end in this unfortunate circumstance.

“I assure the people, with all sense of responsibility, that the party and the government will do everything possible to ensure the well-being and safety of our citizens as they troop out to attend rallies and all other political events,” the President said.

President Buhari assured the government and the people of Rivers State as well as the affected families of the support and prayers of the Federal Government during this difficult time.

The President prayed Almighty God to repose the souls of the deceased.