Police in Rivers State has confirmed that no fewer than 31 persons died in the stampede at a programme organised by a Pentecostal church, Kings Assembly, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the casualty figure.
FirstNews earlier reported that the the stampede happened at the Polo Club in Port Harcourt, when a large crowd of persons attempted to push through a small entrance.
It was learnt that guests started arriving at the Polo Club as early as 6:30am for the event slated for 9am, but met the gate locked.
However, at about 8am, some sports men arrived and opened the small entrance to have their training session, only for the crowd to see it as an opportunity to access the tent that was mounted by the church for the program.