35 Minors Dead in Tragic Stampede at Ibadan Funfair, Police Arrest Seven
TheTalk.NG journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Oyo state, Ibadan – A stampede at a funfair held at Islamic High School in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, has tragically claimed the lives of 35 minors.
Thirty-five minors confirmed dead in stampede at Ibadan funfair; police make arrests. Image for illustration purposes.
Photo credit: Nigeria Police Force
Stampede at Ibadan funfair: Death toll hits 35
TheTalk.NG reported that on Wednesday, December 18, the unfortunate event occurred at the Islamic High School in the Bashorun area, which was intended to provide 5000 naira to 5000 children.
But things took a devastating turn when the number of children exceeded the expected 5,000, leading to a struggle for entry.
The incident shocked the local community and sparked widespread outrage.
Reacting, the Oyo state government led by Governor Seyi Makinde mourned the loss of lives and ordered an investigation into the tragic incident.
Ibadan funfair tragedy: Police arrest 7 individuals
But a day after, the Oyo state police command announced that seven suspects have been arrested for their roles in the disaster.
As reported by Channels TV, the command’s spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, added that the main sponsor of the event and six others were in police custody.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the State that (8) Persons have since been arrested for their various involvements,” Osifeso said.
Speaking further, the command’s spokesman also said that six persons are injured and receiving treatment in a medical facility.
“So far (35) Thirty-Five Minors have been documented Dead while (6) Six others are critically injured and on various Medical Interventions,” he added.
Osifeso said the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.
He urged residents not to panic “as they would witness high level patrols and visible Police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.”
Read more about Ibadan stampede here
Abia stampede: 4 feared dead, others hospitalised
Meanwhile, TheTalk.NG reported that the annual Christ the King procession turned into a tragic incident at Christ the King Cathedral (CKC) in Aba, Abia state.
Eyewitnesses said no fewer than four persons lost their lives and many others were injured during the religious procession on Sunday, November 24.
A source simply identified as Ebere said the stampede was caused by Yahoo boys throwing money during the procession.
Source: TheTalk.NG