The controversy surrounding the Ibadan funfair stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors took another turn as a High Court in Ibadan adjourned its ruling on the bail applications for the suspects involved. Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, presiding over the case, scheduled the decision for Tuesday, January 13, 2025, after hearing arguments from both sides.

The suspects—Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of the school—are facing charges including conspiracy, causing death by negligence, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. They were initially arraigned at a Magistrate Court in Iyaganku on these charges.

During a proceeding that lasted over five hours, defense counsels argued for their clients’ release on bail, citing insufficient evidence to justify their continued detention at the Agodi Correctional Centre. Conversely, the Oyo State Government, represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the bail applications. The government highlighted compelling reasons to deny the suspects' release, emphasizing the severity of the incident.

The tragic stampede occurred during a funfair organized by Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The incident has drawn widespread criticism and sparked debates over event safety and accountability.

Notably, similar stampedes during food distribution in Anambra and Abuja occurred days after the Ibadan tragedy, collectively resulting in another 35 fatalities. These events have amplified calls for stricter measures to prevent such disasters and ensure public safety.

Notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide has imposed over ₦100 million in levies on 23 communities in Tsafe West, under Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Reports indicate that each community was assigned specific amounts, with the highest levies demanded from Kunchin-Kalgo (₦20 million), Sungawa (₦15 million), and Rakyabu (₦15 million). Other affected villages include Kwaren Mai-Saje (₦10 million), Magazawa (₦10 million), Gijin-Zama (₦8.5 million), Giwa (₦7 million), Kauyen Magaji (₦7 million), and Barebari (₦6 million).

Additional targets are Unguwar Rogo (₦5 million), Machiya (₦5 million), Katuga (₦5 million), Magazu (₦5 million), Tsageru (₦5 million), Gidan-Anne (₦7 million), Unguwar Dan Halima (₦5 million), Kauyen-Kane (₦5 million), Kurar-Mota (₦6 million), Kibari (₦3 million), Sabon-Garin Bakin Gulbi (₦2.5 million), Karda (₦5 million), Dakolo (₦5 million), and Yalwa (₦2.7 million).

The levy has created panic among residents, who fear violent reprisals if the demands are not met.

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dalijan confirmed the situation during a phone interview, assuring residents that security agencies have been deployed to the affected areas to prevent attacks and maintain order.

“It is true that Dogo Gide imposed levies on some communities, but we have deployed our men to those areas. Nobody will threaten them; security agencies are on the ground,” he said.

Dalijan also emphasized that no village has been abandoned, adding, “No community has been deserted, and nobody has fled their homes due to the threats.”

The imposition of levies by bandits is a growing tactic used to extort rural communities in Zamfara, a state grappling with persistent insecurity.

Residents are urging the government to take decisive steps to eliminate banditry and restore peace in the region.

Three people lost their lives on Tuesday morning in Ogbomoso when a container-laden truck overturned and crushed a commercial tricycle at Takie Junction around 9:30 a.m.

According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred when the truck lost control while navigating a bend, causing its container to topple onto the tricycle, locally known as Keke Marwa. Tragically, the tricycle's rider and two female passengers were trapped beneath the container. Rescue teams later confirmed that all three victims had died.

Efforts are ongoing to remove the fallen container to restore normal traffic flow and prevent further accidents in the area. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while approaching the affected section of the road.