Dozens feared dead at APC Maiduguri rally as pavilion collapse
The campaign rally of President Muhammadu Buhari in Maiduguri went sour on Monday following the collapse of a pavilion at Ramat Square where several persons were feared dead.
The incident happened when some of the spectators who wanted to have a vantage view of the president climbed the top of the roof of the over 40 years building.
The roof, however, came down few minutes into the programme crashing on some onlookers at the bottom of the pavilion.
Although the number of those that lost their lives have not been confirmed as at the time of filing this report, President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the development, condoling those that may have lost dear ones in the process.
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A statement by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, on Monday, stated, “President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prays that the injured recover quickly, following an incident at the massively-attended campaign rally in Maiduguri, Borno State, at which a pavilion came down crashing on party faithful.
“Several party men and women who wanted a vintage view of the speakers at the rally climbed the roofs of the pavilions, one of which came down crashing on other spectators”.
Buhari said he was shocked to hear about the loss of lives following the tragic incident at the stadium in Maiduguri.
“May Allah repose the souls of the deceased.
“I understand that the Borno State government, the Red Cross and other aid agencies are taking steps to help affected people. May Allah repose the souls of the deceased and heal the injured,” he said.
