FIC Report (Oyo State) – The Oyo State Police Command has arrested eight people in connection with the tragic stampede that occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, during a funfair event.
The event, which held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, was organized by the Wings Foundation and publicized on Agidigbo FM, a private radio in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The event, which was intended to be a funfair for children, turned into a nightmare as chaos erupted.
Police Public Relation Officer, Oyo state command, SP Adewale Osifeso, who announced the arrest of the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, said the arrested people, which included other key figures involved in organizing and overseeing the event, would assist the police in its investigation into the tragedy.
The arrested people are the organizer of the event, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, 31, the principal of Islamic High School; Fasasi Abdulahi, Genesis Christopher, Moruf Tanimowo, Olabode Anisolaje, Idowu Ibrahim and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
The Police disclosed that these individuals would face various charges related to their roles in the tragic incident.
Several news outlets had earlier reported that the stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 minors, with six others left critically injured. The injured children are currently receiving medical treatment at various facilities.
The police assured the public that the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness, as the investigation has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Iyaganku.
The Police stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Police is personally overseeing the investigation.
According to the police spokesman, the Oyo State Command joined other Nigerians who have extended condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
“We sympathize with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assure the good people of the state that justice will be served accordingly,” he said.
Authorities have also assured residents in the affected area that additional police presence and high-level patrols will be deployed to prevent any potential disturbances or exploitation of the situation by criminal elements.
The Oyo State Police Command urged the public to stay calm and to reach out to emergency services in the event of any further incidents.
“The investigation continues, and the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims of this devastating event., ” the police said.
Signed
Moses Oyelade,
AD(I&PR),
FIC, Ibadan.
