The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, and seven others in connection with a tragic stampede at a funfair in Ibadan. The event, organized at Islamic High School, Basorun, witnessed the death of 35 children, with six others critically injured.
Silekunola, identified as the main sponsor of the event, collaborated with Wings Foundation and a local radio station, Agidigbo FM, as media partners. The fair was intended to host 5,000 children but reportedly drew over 7,500, according to police investigations.
In a statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, it was revealed that the case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further probing. The arrested suspects include Fasasi Abdulahi, the school principal, and other individuals linked to the event.
“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while 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,” the statement read partly.
The police assured residents around the axis of “high-level patrols” and the presence of its operatives “to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.
“The Oyo State Police Command sympathises with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assures the good people of the state that justice will be served accordingly.”
Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes as the crowd surged to access the venue, leading to the fatal stampede. A parent grieving her lost child lamented, “My daughter is not dead. Please doctor, wake her up.”
Agidigbo FM, in a statement, distanced itself as the organizer, stating it only promoted the event. Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde assured residents of ongoing efforts to prevent further tragedies and restore safety at the site.
