Most of the casualties were children.
According to Olufemi Ayodele, regional spokesman for the Nigerian Civil Defense Force, the incident happened at a local polo club, where the nearby Kings Assembly Church held a donation drive.
“During the distribution of gift items, there was a stampede due to overcrowding,” he said. “The casualties are mainly children.”
Grace Woyengikuro Iringe-Koko, a spokeswoman for the state police, said the driving had not yet begun when the stampede happened. Woyengikuro Iringe-Koko said the crowd attempted to enter the venue, despite the fact that the gate was closed, leading to the fatal charge.
Woyengikuro Iringe-Koko said 31 people have been confirmed dead. She added that seven people were injured and hospitalized after the incident.
