Originally published Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 10:13 AM

11 dead in Nigeria election rally stampede

Nigerian police say at least 11 people have been killed in a stampede at an election rally that the president was attending.

By YINKA IBUKUN

Associated Press

LAGOS, Nigeria —

Nigerian police say at least 11 people have been killed in a stampede at an election rally that the president was attending.

Rivers state police spokesman Rita Inoma-Abbey told The Associated Press that the stampede began as people tried to push their way into the Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium in Nigeria's oil-rich southern delta.

She confirmed Sunday that 11 people had been killed.

President Goodluck Jonathan was attending the event but was not injured.

Such stampedes remain a danger at large events in Nigeria, where police often have no formal training handling large crowds. The rally comes as Nigeria prepares for elections in April.

E-mail article Print Share

More Nation & World

UPDATE - 10:01 AM
Rebels tighten hold on Libya oil port

UPDATE - 09:29 AM
Reality leads US to temper its tough talk on Libya

UPDATE - 09:38 AM
2 Ark. injection wells may be closed amid quakes

Armed guards save Dutch couple from Somali pirates

Navy to release lewd video investigation findings

More Nation & World headlines...