At least one person died while over 50 people were injured on Monday after a platform at President Muhammadu Buhari’s election campaign venue in Maiduguri, Borno State, collapsed, witnesses said.

Mr Buhari campaign for his reelection in the state capital at Ramat Square was attended by thousands of people.

The huge crowd almost overfilled the expansive square, with some of the spectators climbing on top of metal pavilion constructed to provide shade at the venue.

Midway into the event and shortly before Buhari delivered his speech, a section of the platform crumbled under the weight of people on top of its roof.

The collapsed roof and the people on top of it crashed on those beneath, causing a commotion as many scampered for safety.

Local officials and witnesses said at least one person died and 50 sustained injuries.

An official of Civillian-JTF who helped in evacuating victims said, “We had one case of death while many of them only sustained injuries, some not very serious.”

Spokesmen of APC in Borno state, Mr Makinta Zarami, said most of those affected were APC members from Marte Local Government Area.

“I was aware that most of those affected were from Marte and they were about 50 in number,” he said.

“Most of them were taken to Umaru Shehu General Hospital and Nursing Home where they were treated. As at this evening I was informed that most of them were discharged except for two that had a bit serious injury.

“But I am not aware of any case of death. If I know I will honestly tell you.”

One of the media aides of the governor, Mr Usman Kumo, also denied knowledge of any case of death.

PT