World Cup Qualifier: ‘Nobody died, only 3 were injured’

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has said that no life was lost on Saturday before, during and after the Nigeria -Zambia World Cup qualifying match held  at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

Speaking on telephone with the Nation in Uyo yesterday, police spokesman in the state, DSP Bala Elkaner described as ‘outright falsehood’ a news story in a national tabloid (not The Nation) that five persons were feared dead following a stampede at the gate of the  stadium.

Elkaner said there was no stampede in the strict sense of the word, noting that the police can confirm that there were scores of people without entry tickets, who were falling over themselves in a bid force
their way into the stadium.

“It is absolutely untrue that five persons died following a stampede at the stadium. What we saw was that some persons without ticket were rushing to gain access to the stadium to watch the football match.

“It is true that some persons sustained injuries from the incident. I can tell you that only 3 persons had serious injuries because they  were admitted at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, while others
with minor wounds were attended to and discharged immediately”, he
said.
He admitted that though a lot of persons sustained various degrees of injuries as a result of the struggle no life was lost.

On alleged brutality of soldiers, the Police PRO said he was not a soldier so cannot speak for the Nigerian Army, but added that “It is unthinkable that such a thing could take place”.

Elkaner appealed to journalists to always authenticate their stories before going to press in order not to misinform the public and create a bad image for the country.

Source:thenationonlineng.net