President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and sadness over the tragic event that took the lives of several Nigerians at a football viewing centre in Calabar, Cross River State, Thursday night.
In a press release by the president’s aide, Garba Shehu the President commiserated with the government and people of Cross River State, and football fans nationwide over the unfortunate incident.
He commended the State Government for the prompt action in setting up a commission of inquiry into the incident, and its offer of assistance to the victims and their families.
“The President offers his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the mostly young victims, whose sudden demise is a big blow not only to their families, but also to the football-loving nation,” he siad in the statement.
Meanwhile the Cross River Police Command has confirmed that seven people and not 30 died in the unfortunate incident.
The football fans were watching the Manchester United versus Anderlecth game at a television viewing centre when the incident happened around 9.30 p.m. at Nyagasang area of Atimbo in Calabar Municipal Local Government area.
The police also confirmed that 11 were others hospitalised.
Mr Hafiz Inuwa, the state Commissioner of Police, gave the numbers at a news conference on Friday in Calabar.
Inuwa said that the briefing became necessary following some reports in some national dailies and online blogs that over 30 persons died in the tragic incident.“
”To put the record straight, 18 persons were affected by the incident and taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
““From the records available to us, seven people died on arrival, 10 are in the emergency ward of the hospital while one victim is currently at the intensive care unit of the same hospital.“
“The false reports out there are alarming. This press conference will put an end to the rumours out there that over 30 persons died.“
”People should stop spreading falsehood in sensitive issues like this. The earlier reports that over 30 persons died and about 50 escaped death is false,” he said.
A check by a NAN correspondent at the State General Hospital and some private medical centres showed that no victim of the incident was taken to them except UCTH.
Eyewitnesses had recounted that two separate blasts from electrical installations occurred around the centre before a live high tension cable fell on the zinc makeshift structure where many of the fans were watching the European League.
