Eleven people killed in an election rally stampede

Eleven people have been killed in a stampede at an election rally in the southern city of Port Harcourt, which was part of President Goodluck Jonathan's election campaign ahead April's poll.

According to Nigerian officials, at least 29 other people were injured in the incident, which took place in a crowded sports stadium. Jonathan has called for an investigation to determine how the stampede began, and said it was "sad, unfortunate and regrettable," adding, "I mourn with those who mourn."

According to reports, the crowd was dispersed by security firing warning shots into the air. Speaking about the incident, Jonathan's assistant on international affairs, Ken Saro-Wiwa, said: "There was a huge crowd, the place was completely full…It is a sad end to what had been a great day."

Sources: AP, BBC News, The Independent, Aljazeera

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