Uke stampede claims over 15 lives, as Police vows to bring culprists to book

The Nigerian police have commenced investigations into the cause of death of some persons at a prayer ground early on Saturday at Uke, southeast Anambra State.

Unconfirmed reports said at least 30 worshippers were trampled to death at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ground in Uke, Idemili North Local Council Area of Anambra on Saturday.

The police spokesman in the state, Emeka Chukwuemeka, said the incident occurred at the prayer ground at the early hours of Saturday.

Chukwuemeka disclosed that two Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Kachy Ugorji and Philemon Leha, had visited 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 to the place to commiserate with the victims.

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

In a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Valentine Obieyem, the governor expressed shock over the incident.

He promised to take care of the medical bills of the victims.