Confusion reigned in Minna Niger State on Saturday as several dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, governors and ministers escaped death as a part of the podium, hosting the top government officials, collapsed.
The podium, hurriedly constructed at the Trade Fair ground for the North Central rally of the controversial group, Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, rooting for President Goodluck Jonathan re-election in 2015, gave way while the ceremony was underway.
The podium caved in at about 11.53am, with a few minutes left for goodwill messages.
The top government functionaries at the event however escaped unhurt as they were all protected by their orderlies and escorted to the main podium to continue the event.
Our correspondent gathered that the event managers were still under the podium, at the time of the incident, fixing some of the scaffolds having arrived in Minna late on Friday to mount the stage.
Some of the victims, who sustained injuries, were rushed to the IBB Specialist Hospital, General Hospital, Minna, Bay Clinic and Top Medical centre.
Among the injured included the wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajia Jumai Aliyu, and Director General, Public Affairs, Mallam Tanko Dada, who had a deep cut in his head.
Our correspondent learnt that also injured were Mallam Suleiman, Special Assistant to Governor Aliyu, who tried to rescue the Governor while an operative of the State Security Service allegedly broke his leg.
Several telephone sets were scattered on the floor after those who had close shave with death, fled the scene.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties was not known as security men barred people and journalists from getting to some of the hospitals and the scene.
One of the victims, Ismail Gambo, said, “I thought it was a bomb blast; so I had to jump as much as I could but I realised I was trapped in the stand as so many people were scrambling for safety.”
However, Niger State Governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu, asked TAN not to be discouraged by the incident.
“This thing that happened should not deter you from doing what you came to do,” Aliyu said.
Another victim, a journalist attached to TAN, said, “I was interviewing one of the top officials when the scaffold started giving way. I quickly headed for the stairs, but before I got there, the stand collapsed. I only sustained this minor injury. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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I wish all you corrupt officials were killed...Nigeria needs good leaders....please God dont spare their lives next time....Amin.
ReplyDeleteThank God for dis
ReplyDeletewarning to all
ReplyDeleteGod thank u for ds is wornin for all nigerian corupt leaders
ReplyDeleteu are an idiot God dont reason like u mad dog. Dey shd die cos of politics? God will purnish u for dat statement.
ReplyDeleteU self u be fool, if it's God's will they die to serve as deterrence to other corrupt leaders, do you think they will be spared. This' just a warning from God to let them know He is watching them with all their atrocities and will get them in no time.
DeleteWho a hell are you to God to know how He reasons, you see you ate the idiot!!!
An absulute warning.
ReplyDeleteShut up ur rotten mouth. God is given d last warning to corrupt leaders, whose stock in trade is winning elections at all cost
ReplyDeletei hope GOD is not at sleep,he will still answer our prayers next time.it will be a bomb explosion.AMEN
ReplyDeleteThe beginning of the end. Let those who have ears listen.
ReplyDeleteMark.
If APC should start their tan, they will say APC wants to capture power at all cost.
ReplyDeleteI Gej is doing well do we need TAN his work should speak for him.
This is to tell the world that stupid Gej has done nothing and he is not going to do anything either.
Watch him shaking hands with leaders of Boko Haram, what a shame.
Nigerians open your eyes to see and your ears to hear. A re you guys blind?
What has he really done for the commoners of this great nation that deserve him asking for more.
For six good years nothing to show except high level corruption.
He started missing it when he refused to listen to OBJ. And that is the man that put him there, imagine biting the finger that fed him, what a shame.
He stared listening to people like E K Clark and the likes.
He is bound to fail.
Remember the adage which says, a dog that refuses to listen to his master's whistle will definitely miss his way.
Trust me, Gej has missed his way and so has failed woefully.
Very good development!!!! Why we're deaths not recorded? Idiotic psycophants
ReplyDeleteSo sad as none of them is crush to grave, though not yet too late cos God time is the best. They will soon all be represent by the God choice. Amin
ReplyDelete