Ibadan funfair tragedy: Ooni’s ex-queen detained, Tinubu orders probe as deaths increases | adekkatv

 

By Bolarinwa Kabir 

The Oyo State Police Command on Thursday detained a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, and six others as investigation into the stampede at a funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday continues.

The police also confirmed 35 children dead, with six others sustaining varying degrees of injuries following the pandemonium.

A non-governmental organisation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support, founded by Naomi Silekunola had organised the funfair at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan on Wednesday but the event, however, turned tragic as a crowd thronged the venue, resulting in the stampede that led to the deaths.

It was learnt from multiple eyewitness accounts that several participants were trampled upon as they rushed to gain access to the venue of the event reportedly organised by Silekunola and an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.

It was further gathered that while the organisers made provision for 5,000 children, over 7, 500 participants turned up for the event.

Adewale Osifeso, the state Police Public Relations Officer,  in a statement, said, “Among those detained are Silekunola, aged 31, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the 56-year-old principal of the school.

“The other individuals arrested include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years.

“The stampede resulted in the tragic loss of 35 minors, with six additional children reported to be in critical condition and receiving various medical interventions.

“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while six others are critically injured.”

Osifeso said the police command had taken significant steps in the investigation, transferring the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, where the Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the inquiry.

The PPRO assured the public that justice would be served accordingly.

“In light of the incident, the police have increased their presence in the area to maintain peace and security, while residents have been advised not to panic, as police patrols will be heightened to prevent any potential unrest.

“Residents around the area are advised not to panic as they would witness high-level patrols and visible police presence,” the statement concluded.

The command expressed its condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.

Following aggrieved parents demand for the corpses of their children from several hospitals they were rushed to, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said parents had been granted custody of the bodies of the victims.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday expressed sadness over the tragic incident in Ibadan and directed relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy thoroughly.

This would involve “a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues,” the President said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families, who lost their children.

“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” Tinubu said.

“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.

“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly,” the statement read.

The President urged the Oyo State government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.

Also, the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, condoled with families of children who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

She also prayed for the speedy recovery and total healing for those in the hospital.

(Punch)