The Governor of Anambra State , Peter Obi, has refuted claims from some quarters that he was responsible for the stampede in Uke, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The stampede which left about 25 people dead happened in the early hours of Saturday, November 2.

In a state broadcast, the governor said that his visit to the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry crusade on Friday was on the invitation of the serving priest of the ministry, Reverend-Father Obimma.

He pointed out that he left the crusade ground at 3:00am, local time, whereas the incident took place at 5:00am. He went further to blame the supporters of the All Progressives Congress Governorship Candidate in the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship elections for the unfortunate incident.

“When I was called upon by the presiding priest after the Holy Mass to speak at about 12.15am, a group of people located in 3 different spots started shouting the name of a gubernatorial candidate, Dr Chris Ngige and waving the brooms of All Progressives Congress and pictures of the same candidate in the November 16 election.”

“It took up to 20 minutes for the presiding priest to calm them down. I was surprised that some people would turn a prayer ground into a campaign venue.”

While sympathising with the victims’ families, the Governor said that investigation into the incident had commenced.

Governor Obi was at the scene of the incident and also visited the hospital where those injured were taken to for treatment.