President Muhammadu Buhari said on Tuesday that he was saddened by the tragic death of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a stampede at the presidential campaign rally held in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, the president condoled with the families and friends of the victims, and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured.
He said the death was “needless loss of lives and an anti-climax to a highly successful outing” in the oil city that could have been averted if there was an orderly exit from the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
“It is indeed a great tragedy that Nigerians who have important roles to play in shaping the future of the country and had come to see and hear from us how hard their government is working to build a Nigeria of their dreams, would meet their end in this unfortunate circumstance.
“I assure the people, with all sense of responsibility, that the party and the government will do everything possible to ensure the well-being and safety of our citizens as they troop out to attend rallies and all other political events,” he said.
The president assured the government and people of Rivers state as well as the affected families of the support and prayers of the federal government during this difficult time.
The President prayed Almighty God to repose the souls of the deceased.
