Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said that the organisers of a funfair at Islamic High School in the Basorun area of Ibadan have been taken into custody following a stampede that led to the death of several persons including children.
Makinde, in a statement on Wednesday, said it was a sad day for the state, adding that the school has been secured to prevent further mishaps.
The statement said, “Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries.
“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.
“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.
“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident. Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen.”
QEDNG reported that the event was organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola, former wife of the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, through her foundation Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS).
Previous editions of the annual Christmas funfair organised by WINGS were successfully held in Ogun and Ondo states.
A resident of Ibadan who spoke to QEDNG said news of the 2024 funfair spread after Silekunola’s appearance on a radio programme hosted by Ibadan-based Hamzat Oriyomi on Tuesday.
Many people from Ibadan and nearby towns started converging on Islamic High School, Bashorun venue of the event after the radio show and many of them slept there overnight.
Early reports indicated that people started trampling over themselves shortly after the programme started.
