The Oyo State Police Command has arrested eight individuals, including the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Fasasi Abdulahi, over a stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children during a funfair event in Ibadan on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, the tragic incident occurred at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, where over 7,500 children attended an event originally planned for 5,000 participants.
Osifeso revealed that the event, organised by Wings Foundation in collaboration with Agidigbo FM as media partners, spiraled into chaos as attendees rushed to gain entry. “So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while six others are critically injured and undergoing medical interventions,” he said.
Arrests and Investigation
In addition to Silekunola and Abdulahi, the police have arrested six others, including Genesis Christopher, 24; Tanimowo Moruf, 52; Anisolaja Olabode, 42; Idowu Ibrahim, 35; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.
“The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations,” the police statement noted.
The command assured residents of heightened security to prevent any further escalation. “We sympathise with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assure the good people of Oyo State that justice will be served accordingly,” Osifeso added.
Eyewitness Accounts and Victim Narratives
Eyewitnesses have blamed poor crowd control for the disaster. A participant claimed that “Oriyomi Hamzat [of Agidigbo FM] said he wanted 5,000 participants, but the disorganisation led to this situation.”
At Patnas Hospital, where some victims were treated, Administrative Officer Olufeyemi Tolulope confirmed the death of five children. “Six children were brought in, out of which five died. The surviving child has been discharged to her parents,” she stated.
A bereaved parent, inconsolable at the hospital, lamented, “I did not bargain for what happened. We slept together last night, not knowing it would be our last.”
Agidigbo FM and Oyo Government Reactions
In its defense, Agidigbo FM distanced itself from the tragedy, describing its role as merely promotional. The station’s Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab, stated, “Agidigbo FM is not the organiser of the event but a media partner. We wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also reacted, sympathising with the bereaved families. “We have deployed security agents and medical personnel to restore order and prevent further loss of life,” he said via his official X handle. “The event has been stopped, and attendees escorted out.”
Way Forward
As investigations continue, public outcry has intensified over accountability and safety measures at public events. The incident underscores the urgent need for better crowd control and planning to prevent similar tragedies in the future.