A woman, identified as Mary Christiana Oga from Imaje in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, has died following a stampede during an empowerment programme organised by the state’s First Lady, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, in Ogoja.

Several other people were reportedly critically injured in the incident, which occurred on Thursday during the distribution of food and other empowerment items to residents.

According to reports, the victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Ogoja for medical attention, where Oga was pronounced dead. Several others were receiving treatment at the facility as of Thursday night.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the woman’s death, saying officers and other security personnel responded to the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the command was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the stampede.

“The command is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the event,” Akata said, confirming that the deceased was Mary Christiana Oga of Imaje, Yala Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses reportedly said the crowd continued to grow as residents scrambled to collect the items being distributed, leading to the stampede.

Akata also stressed the importance of proper crowd management, adequate safety arrangements and effective coordination during public gatherings to prevent similar incidents.