The Oyo State Police Command has detained Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, in connection with a devastating stampede that occurred during a children's carnival.
The incident, which took place at the school on Wednesday, resulted in numerous fatalities, predominantly among children, and left several others injured.
The carnival, organized by Queen Naomi Silekunola, an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was intended to be a joyous end-of-the-year celebration for families. However, the event quickly turned into chaos as the venue, designed to accommodate 5,000 attendees, became overcrowded, leading to a deadly stampede at the main gate of the school.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that as many as 32 children lost their lives in the incident. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as parents and children were caught in the crush. Some families had reportedly kept vigil at the venue overnight, contributing to the congestion and subsequent tragedy.
Mr. Fasasi was invited by the police for questioning around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday and has been held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the Iyaganku area since then. A relative of the principal, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed his detention, stating, "The principal of the school, Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, has been detained by the police. He was invited around 4:00 p.m. yesterday, and he honored the invitation. He has not been released."
In addition to Mr. Fasasi's detention, the police have also invited Naomi Silekunola and Oriyomi Hamzat, a well-known radio owner in Ibadan, for questioning. As of the time of this report, they have yet to appear before the authorities.
Police Public Relations Officer Adewale Osifeso assured the public that comprehensive updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Governor Seyi Makinde expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, stating, "This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathize with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths."
The governor also emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the community.
Medical personnel and ambulances were deployed to the scene, and victims were rushed to various hospitals, including Patnas Specialist Hospital, Western Hospital, Ringroad State Hospital, Molly Specialist Hospital, and University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan.
Despite efforts to save lives, many children succumbed to their injuries before reaching medical facilities.
As investigations continue, the state government has pledged to hold accountable anyone found responsible for the disaster. Governor Makinde reassured the public, saying, "I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident."
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