Nigerian stadium stampede leaves seven dead
Only one entrance open at 60,000-capacity national stadium during recruitment drive for immigration service
Reuters in Abuja
The Guardian Sunday 16 March 2014 11.32 GMT
A woman is helped after fainting during a recruitment drive at the national stadium in Abuja, Nigeria. Photograph: Deji Yake/EPA
Seven people have been killed in a stampede at Nigeria's national stadium during a recruitment drive for the immigration service, according to officials.
The stampede late on Saturday shows the desperation for jobs in Africa's second biggest economy and most populous nation, where oil wealth has enriched elites and helped the economy grow by more than 6% a year but has failed to create employment.
Officials said only one entrance to the 60,000-capacity stadium in Abuja was open during the aptitude test for applicants to join the immigration service. Reuters counted seven bodies at the national hospital where the dead and injured were taken.
Tayo Haastrup, a spokesman for the hospital, said there were several in a critical but stable condition.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the untimely death of the young citizens who were at the exercise not only to secure jobs but to be allowed the opportunity to contribute towards the development of the nation," said Olisa Metuh, spokesman of Nigeria's ruling People's Democratic party.
