PRESS STATEMENT Uke stampede: CD wants CAN to take over investigation ….. demands N20m compensation for each dead victim The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has urged Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, South-East Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to constitute a 7-man investigative committee to unravel the circumstances leading to the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke tragedy. ``For equity and to check any possible manipulation; Anambra government should hands-off the panel of inquiry and investigation into the mysterious Uke Church tragedy on Saturday,’’ CD said in a statement on Wednesday. The statement, which was issued to newsmen in Onitsha, was jointly signed by Dede Uzor A. Uzor and Dr Jerry Chukwuokolo, who are the Chairman and Secretary of CD South-East Region respectively. It would be recalled that in the early hours of Saturday, there was a stampede at Holy Ghost Adoration Centre, Uke in Idemili South LGA, which claimed at least 25 lives and over 50 persons sustained various degree of injuries. The statement noted that the state government sponsoring an inquiry and investigation would bias the outcome of the remote and immediate causes of the incident; which would further infuriate the minds of the public especially the Christian community. ``A tragedy that led to a loss of more than 25 lives in a holy and safe place, which included a 6-month pregnant woman, Mrs Adaobi Onumonu (24), who is a corper currently serving at Onitsha High School, Onitsha; should not be swept under the carpet. ``And politicians should, henceforth, stop using churches and prayer grounds for their political campaigns and rallies in Anambra in the interest of God and humanity,’’ CD warns. CD, however, urged Anambra government to ensure a free treatment for injured survivors of the tragedy; while due compensation should be paid to the families of the victims who lost their lives. ``Anambra government should as a matter of necessity pay a minimum of N20 million to the families of each of the dead victims of the tragedy. ``While the state should erect a long lasting monument at the entrance of the Uke adoration ground for a memorial for the souls lost so far. ``Also, Anambra government should construct more than two leading roads to the adoration ground,’’ it said.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 10:07:22 +0000
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