… police arrest Ooni’s ex-wife
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the stampede during a children funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State.
This came as the Chief of staff to Oyo State Governor, Mr. Segun Ogunwuyi, said the dead toll had reached 40.
“More than 40 children have been confirmed dead while other are still in critical condition,” Ogunwuyi said in Ebonyi on Thursday, during Governor Seyi Makinde’s birthday celebration, organized by Ali/Onyeyinchi Odefe education foundation.
The incident which was an end of year party for children, happened on Wednesday at the main gate of Islamic High School, Bashorun in Ibadan.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the President ordered investigation into the incident.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State and, most importantly, to the grieving families who have lost their children in the unfortunate event.
“In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.
“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly. He emphasises that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
“The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.
“Among the essential actions are a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues,” the statement read.
The President also called on event organisers to prioritise the safety of all attendees, especially children.
He noted the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the safety of all participants.
“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” the President said
police arrest Ooni’s ex-wife
Meanwhile the police have confirmed that 35 children lost their lives in the incident, while six others were critically injured.
According to a statement made available by the Oyo State Police Command through the spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, on Thursday, the organisers of the event, including the main sponsor, Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and her media partner, Agidigbo FM, the principal of the school, and five others, have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.
The police stated that the event was organised by the Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, without proper permission or safety measures in place.
The police said they have commenced an investigation into the incident and have promised to bring those responsible to justice.
The Oyo State Police Command expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that everything is being done to prevent such incidents in the future.
