Ibadan, Nigeria
The Oyo Police Command says it has arrested Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of Ooni of Ife, and seven others in connection with the stampede at a carnival in Ibadan.
The incident that occurred on Wednesday at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun area of Ibadan has claimed the lives of 35 children.
It seems like you’re sharing a sentence about an event organized by the Wings Foundation, an NGO supporting women and girls, which was intended to cater to 5,000 attendees.
The promotional materials showed that the event was themed “Children Funfair with Queen/Prophetess Naomi Silekunola O”.
In a statement on Thursday, Osifeso Adewale, the Oyo police spokesperson, confirmed that 35 children had tragically died as a result of the incident, while six others were reported to be in critical condition.
Osifeso further revealed that Fasasi Abdulahi, the principal of the school where the event occurred, was among those arrested in connection with the incident.
“Sequel to the Stampede incident recorded on Wednesday 18/12/2024 at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event Organized by Wings Foundation and Media partners Agidigbo Fm, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the State that (8) Persons have since been arrested for their various involvements,” the statement reads.
“These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola ’f’’ age 31yrs, Fasasi Abdulahi, ’m’ age 56yrs (School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan), Genesis Christopher, ’m’ age 24yrs, Tanimowo Moruf,’m’ age 52yrs, Anisolaja Olabode, ‘m’ age 42yrs, Idowu Ibrahim, ‘m’ age 35yrs and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, ’m’ age 25yrs.
“So far (35) Thirty-Five Minors have been documented Dead while (6) Six others are critically injured and on various Medical Interventions.
“In furtherance of the above, the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.
“So also, residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high-level patrols and visible Police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the tragic incident at the children’s funfair in Ibadan, which led to the death of 35 people.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the president called for a “thorough” inquiry to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions played a role in causing the stampede.
“In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event,” the statement reads.
“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly. He emphasises that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
“The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.
“Among the essential actions are a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues.”
