The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of former Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, Fasasi Abdulahi, Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, and six others in connection with the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of several children during a funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Silekunola has been identified as the main sponsor of the event. According to a statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, the death toll has risen to 35, with six others critically injured.
The event, held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, was initially intended for 5,000 children, but over 7,500 attended, leading to overcrowding. Investigations by PUNCH Metro revealed that the event was organized by the Wings Foundation in partnership with Agidigbo FM, a local radio station.
The arrested individuals include Genesis Christopher, 24; Tanimowo Moruf, 52; Anisolaja Olabode, 42; Idowu Ibrahim, 35; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.
“So far, 35 minors have been confirmed dead, while six others are critically injured and undergoing medical treatment,” Osifeso’s statement read. The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police leading the investigation.
The police have assured residents of increased patrols and the presence of operatives to prevent exploitation by criminals following the incident. They also extended condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, promising justice for the victims.
Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede occurred when attendees rushed to access the venue. One anonymous witness shared a video stating, “Oriyomi Hamzat said he wanted 5,000 participants, but because we were not organized, that’s when this happened.” Another participant, who claimed to have lost a child, said, “We just lost one child who has been taken to the University College Hospital.”
An Administrative Officer at Patnas Hospital, Olufeyemi Tolulope, confirmed that six children were brought in, five of whom died, with one survivor now recuperating.
A grieving parent at the hospital said, “I did not bargain for what happened to me. We slept together yesterday (Tuesday), not knowing it would be the last time. My daughter is not dead. Please doctor, wake her up.”
Agidigbo FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims. The station clarified that while it was a media partner for the event, it was not the event’s organizer. “We were not the organizers of the event but one of the media outlets used to promote it,” the statement emphasized.
