Tragedy struck in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday when a stampede at a funfair resulted in the alleged death of over thirty-two children.
The event, reportedly organized by Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, was meant to be a joyful celebration for five thousand children.
However, things took a devastating turn when over seven thousand five hundred children showed up, causing chaos and ultimately leading to the tragic loss of life.
Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as rowdy, with children rushing to gain access to the venue, leading to a stampede that resulted in several casualties.
The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ayodele Sonubi, confirming that most of the organizers have been arrested and detained for further investigation.
These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, Fasasi Abdulahi the school principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
The case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.
Watch some of the videos of the stampede aftermath:
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