At least 20 people have lost their lives during a stampede at a church in Tanzania, Moshi District Commissioner, Kippi Warioba confirmed.

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"Twenty people died and 16 others were injured in the incident. Five of those killed were children," the District Commissioner said.

The deadly stampede occurred as worshipers rushed to receive anointed oil at an outdoor Pentecostal service in Moshi presided over by Pastor Boniface Mwamposa who refers himself as the Apostle.

"The incident took place at night and there were many people, so there is a possibility that more casualties could emerge," Warioba added.

President John Pombe Magufuli confirmed the deaths, sending condolences to the families of the victims as he called for better organisation of such large events.

The incident comes against the backdrop of the proliferation of prosperity gospel evangelists who issue their followers with anointed oil, promising to lift them out of poverty.

Pastor Mwamposa enjoys a huge following in Tanzania with his oil being touted as capable of curing disease and bringing riches to the poor.

Tanzania's Home Affairs Minister George Simbachawene confirmed on Sunday that the pastor was arrested in Dar es Salaam as he tried to flee the country.