8 die as crowd rush for palliatives in Rivers State

 

About eight persons were reportedly feared dead Tuesday morning following a stampede at a palliatives distribution event by Pinkcoin in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Pinkcoin describes itself as a blockchain-based digital asset designed to support charities and non-profit organisations, and encourage community participation.

The Nation reports that the unfortunate incident, which happened at about 7:30am, at Rumudara Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, was caused by a stampede.

Thousands of people were said to have gathered at the scene to collect some palliatives.

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A source, who gave her name simply as Blessing, claimed that Pinkcoin invited everyone who registered with them in Obio/Akpor LGA to come and redeem their Christmas palliatives.

But the management of the charity outfit was said to have failed to control the crowd of persons, who struggled to gain access to the office.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said he was monitoring the situation.