The toll from the stampede at the national stadium in Abuja continues to rise, with at least seven people confirmed dead and dozens more injured. The incident occurred during a recruitment competition for public service positions, specifically for the immigration services.
According to hospital spokesperson Tayo Haastrup, the stampede occurred as thousands of candidates attempted to access the stadium through a single entrance that had been opened for the recruitment operation. The victims were rushed to the national hospital in Abuja, which quickly became overwhelmed by the influx of injured individuals.
Efforts are underway to treat the injured, with some being treated at other medical facilities due to the capacity constraints at the national hospital. The exact cause of the stampede is under investigation, but the tragedy has underscored the need for better crowd management and safety protocols during large-scale events.