The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of two persons who lost their lives in a stampede at the Comfort Life Mission International Church, Ikotun, during a prayer programme on Thursday.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the incident occurred on Friday around 11.00 a.m at the church, located on 13/15, Ewenla Street, Pab Bus stop, Ikotun, Lagos.
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He said a 45-year-old woman and her five-year-old daughter yet-to-be-identified died as a result of the stampede.
“The police received a report that there was a stampede during their congregational service at the church on Thursday. As a result of the stampede, five persons slumped and were rushed to Isolo General Hospital for treatment,”the PPRO told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“A woman of about 45 years old and a five-year old girl, whose identities and addresses are unknown, died. The scene has been visited, corpses deposited at Mainland General Hospital mortuary, Yaba, for preservation, investigation in progress,” he added.
However, according to a report by The Sun quoting a resident in the area, the death toll has risen to six.
“The death toll has increased since yesterday. Some people who attend the church have said that two more women have been declared dead after the initial report. Many people were rushed to different hospitals. I am not surprised if they were declared dead. The crowd was much,” said the resident.
A young man in the area told the reporter: “This place is not the church itself. They use this place as a campground. They come here once in a while when they have special programmes. Nobody here attends the church. As per how many died, it is yet to be confirmed to us. Some said that they are eight, while some just say that they are four.”
More details were revealed that the church normally conducts three services during its monthly crusade.
An eyewitness who lives in the area, Hakeem Adebayo, said trouble started on Thursday after the first service had ended.
“While those worshippers that attended the first service were trying to leave the premises, those coming for the second service were trying to get in, and a stampede ensued,” he said.
It was gathered that two worshippers were rushed to a hospital in the area, but one of them later died. Some others were rejected by the hospital, it was gathered.
The host pastor, Pastor Odekunle also known as Olorun Ojiji, was arrested by the police at Ikotun and later granted bail on self-recognition.
