Stampede AT Catholic Church Ground In Anambra

Sorry guys I'm reporting this news late. delayed reporting it till now so I have to be sure of what I'm reporting in the midst of different versions of the ugly incident  flying   around




 The Holy Ghost Adoration Ground Uke  Anambra State




First Friday of every month is a day always look forward to by members of  The Holy Ghost Adoration, one of the biggest Prayer Group In Anambra  State managed by the popular charismatic Priest Father. Obimma(Ebube Muonso).

For these set of worshippers, First Fridays of the month offers an opportunity for them to come together at The Holy Ghost Adoration Ground which is located at Uke town in Anambra State to cry to heaven for their various needs and to make supplication as the case may be and yesterday night was not an exception

The announcement by the Priest In Charge, Reverend Obimma that the Governor Of The State was around to address the congregation set the tone for the night, the crowd initially protested that their adoration ground is not a political rally ground and so Peter Obi does not have any locus to address them but the charismatic priest was able to calm them down and pleaded with the   worshippers          to hear the Governor out since he is a first time visitor.

According  to  My eye witness,Uju Nnakenyi, Peter Obi Climbed the podium at exactly 12:45 to address the crowd but he was booed by the crowd who kept shouting,  Ngige ka anyi ga eso,ona eje eje ona nana,Ngige ka anyi ga eso[  we will follow Ngige , Whether he is going forward or back, we will follow him]

At this juncture, the priest intervened and scolded the crowd for behaving like illiterates traders, hear the governor out, he pleaded with them.

His intervention brought a little sanity and the Governor, Mr obi went ahead reeling out his achievements and the reason why Anambarians should keep faith with Obiano but the restless crowd started again, Shouting Ngige,Ngige. The embarrassed Governor hurriedly left the stage but before he left, he made a donation of 5 Million Naira to support the ministry.

The priest in charge,Father Obimma took over the microphone, thanked the Governor for finding time out of his busy schedule to visit and reminded him that his ministry is  not a campaign ground neither is he interested in supporting any of the candidates in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Mr Pter Obi and his campaign team that included Willie Obiano,APGA candidate for the election took their leave unnoticed and their head bowed around 3.30 A.M

The Church   proceeding came to an end around 6.10 A.M and the crowd queued up  to take their leave    because the entrance of the  Adoration ground is very small and  that requires the crowd to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, only for worshippers who had  earlier left the adoration ground to start rushing back to the adoration venue shouting Fire,Fire.

The false alarm raised by these set of worshippers caused stampede and the chaotic scene that ensued is better imagined that told. Some fainted while others lost consciousness

The collapsed victims were first gathered to be prayed for, Holy water sprinkled on the victims  which revived some of the affected victims and those who were still unconscious were rushed to Crown Hospital and  St. Charles Borromeo hospital   in   Onitsha

A source in the two hospitals just squealed to me that so far so good, Six people have lost their lives because of the shock while the rest are responding to treatment

Now, the question is, Why would a Prayer Group as large as Holy Ghost Adoration Group not make provision for  First Aid equipment to cater for the large crowd that always throng for prayers and miracles?

Will keep you guys inform as event unfolds.

See some of the pictures







PHOTO CREDIT: NDI IGBO PAGE