The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of eight individuals following a tragic stampede that occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, during a family event held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.
The event, organized by the Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, was intended to be a funfair for children, but turned into a nightmare as chaos erupted.
Oyo state Police Public Relation Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso confirmed this development in a statement forwarded to Westernmirror.com.ng on Thursday, December 19.
According to the police, the arrested individuals include key figures involved in organizing and overseeing the event.
They are Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, 31, the primary sponsor of the event, along with Fasasi Abdulahi, the principal of Islamic High School; Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
The Police disclosed that these individuals face various charges related to their roles in the tragic incident.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 minors, with six others left critically injured. The injured children are currently receiving medical treatment at various facilities.
The police assured that the public that the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness, as the investigation has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Iyaganku.
The Police stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Police is personally overseeing the investigation.
The Oyo State Police Command however, extended its condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
“We sympathize with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assure the good people of the state that justice will be served accordingly,” he said.
Authorities have also assured residents in the affected area that additional police presence and high-level patrols will be deployed to prevent any potential disturbances or exploitation of the situation by criminal elements.
The Oyo State Police Command urged the public to stay calm and to reach out to emergency services in the event of any further incidents. The toll-free emergency line for the Oyo State Call Response Center is 615, and the Police Command Control Room can be reached at 08081768614, 09054133071, or 09061299291.
“The investigation continues, and the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims of this devastating event., ” The statement concluded.