There are two versions to the story as to what led to a stampede after it was feared that a bomb was detonated in a Community Secondary School in the heart of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where cult battles have led to loss of lives.
In this particular case, no life has been reported lost, but many sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.
It is believed the stampede was fall-out of a cult war. The Police is yet to confirm the incident or make a statement on it.
One version of the story says the out-going Senior Secondary (SS3) students and their SS2 counterparts had a clash over some unexplained issue.
On Thursday there was going to be a show-down between the two warring factions. “They planned to bring in different weapons for the fight. So some SS2 boys decided to bring in their own weapons to come and show their seniors that the were ready for the fight.
“They (allegedly) brought in guns and teargas grenade. While they were inspecting their weapons, one of them mistakenly detonated one of the teargas grenade and all hell broke loose”.
Another version says the panicky scene actually took place in Oroworukwo.
“Teachers and students ran for their lives when a student in SS2 (allegedly) brought a teargas grenade to school and gave to another student who detonated it in the class almost killing the other students.
“Some casualties with fractured hands, legs, injuries and asthmatic patients are in the hospital” the source said.
A reaction was still being awaited from the State Ministry of Education.
