Police authorities in Oyo State on Thursday, arrested eight people including Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Mr. Adeyeye Ogunwusi, following a stampede at a children’s party.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The stampede claimed the lives of 35 minors while six others sustained injuries.
Injured victims are currently receiving medical attention.
Ms Silekunola was a key organiser of the event, which was a children’s Christmas party organised by WINGS (Women In Need of Guidance and Support), a foundation she established.
A statement by the spokesman of Oyo State police command, Adewale Osifeso, revealed that, “eight persons have since been taken into custody for their various involvements” in the event.
“Following the tragic stampede on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested eight individuals for their roles in the incident”, Osifeso said.
The statement added that the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police.
Residents in the area have been advised to remain calm as heightened police presence and patrols will be visible to maintain order and prevent any further disturbances.
“The Oyo State Police Command sympathizes 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,” the statement concluded.