JUST IN: 31 persons confirmed dead in a stampede at a church’s charity programme in Port Harcourt (Photos)

About thirty-one persons have been confirmed dead in a stampede that occurred at a church event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, today, May 28.

It was gathered that Kings Assembly, a church in Port Harcourt, organized a charity event to give out gift items including food to residents of the area.

A lot of people flooded the Polo Club with some arriving a day before to wait, while others arrived as early as 6am this morning.

When the gate was finally opened, the multitudes rushed into the venue causing a major stampede, which led to the death of some persons.

The acting spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirming the tragic incident, revealed that 31 persons died in the stampede.

“Thirty-one persons for now have been confirmed dead and those injured are responding to treatment. We are investigating to find out what really happened”, he said.

See photos below,

Following a disagreement, the suspect, Simon Maina, allegedly went berserk and repeatedly stabbed his lover, Jackline Irungu, murdering her on the spot on Tuesday night, May 24 in Ngurubani town.

Witnesses claim that Maina and his girlfriend arrived at their rented room on Tuesday evening. While inside, the two disagreed for unknown reasons, and a heated argument erupted.

The suspect then reportedly took a knife and fatally attacked his girlfriend.