A devastating stampede at a funfair held at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, has claimed the lives of 35 minors. The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. The governor expressed his commitment to investigating the circumstances leading to the disaster and ensuring that those responsible face justice. He also extended his condolences to the grieving families affected by the tragedy.

In the wake of the incident, the Oyo State Police Command announced the arrest of seven suspects connected to the disaster. Among those detained are Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, who has been identified as the main sponsor of the event, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan. Other individuals in custody include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, the suspects are being held for their various roles in the tragedy. He disclosed that six individuals sustained injuries during the stampede and are currently receiving medical treatment.

“So far, 35 minors have been confirmed dead, while six others are critically injured and undergoing medical intervention,” Osifeso stated. He added that the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police leading the investigations.

Osifeso assured residents of heightened police patrols and visibility to maintain order and prevent hoodlums from exploiting the situation. He urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue.

READ ALSO: Tragedy Strikes: Several Children Feared Dead in Ibadan Carnival Stampede

The Oyo State Police Command has detained Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, in connection with the tragic stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival held at the school.

Sources confirm that Fasasi was invited by the police on Wednesday around 4:00 p.m. and has been in custody since then.

The stampede, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least 32 children, happened during an event organized by Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

A source close to the principal, who requested anonymity, disclosed that Fasasi is being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the Iyaganku area of Ibadan.

“The principal, Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, honored the police invitation but was detained upon arrival. As of now, he has not been released,” the source stated.

The incident has sparked widespread sorrow and calls for accountability as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

A tragic stampede at a carnival in the Bashorun area of Ibadan, Oyo State, has reportedly claimed the lives of many children. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, with victims rushed to various hospitals across the city.

The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed at the time of this report. However, sources indicate that the stampede happened as a crowd tried to gain entry to the venue of a private children's fun fair scheduled for Wednesday. Some parents had arrived with their children as early as Tuesday, leading to a chaotic scene.

Efforts to get a response from the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, were unsuccessful. However, the Oyo State Government has confirmed the incident through a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

According to Oyelade, the stampede led to the loss of several lives, mostly children, while others sustained injuries. He added that the state government mobilized a rapid response team to address the situation, and victims were transported to hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Parents seeking information about their children have been directed to visit the following medical facilities with valid identification:

• Patnas Hospital, Basorun
• Western Hospital, Basorun
• Ringroad State Hospital
• Molly Specialist Hospital
• University College Hospital (UCH)

The Oyo State Government has urged the public to remain calm as authorities work to manage the situation and assist affected families.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Command, advised motorists and the public to exercise caution following a road traffic crash that occurred on the Kara Bridge, Berger, along the Ibadan-bound section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The crash happened early Wednesday and involved a trailer carrying containers that fell, narrowing the lanes and creating significant traffic gridlock. According to a statement signed by the FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, the agency urged motorists to remain calm and avoid actions that could aggravate the situation.

Some impatient drivers were reported to have worsened the situation by driving against traffic flow on the Lagos-bound side of the road, further disrupting movement in both directions. The FRSC emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users and appealed to the public to cooperate with traffic officials and avoid actions that could exacerbate the traffic congestion.

Efforts were immediately underway to address the situation, with the FRSC working alongside the police, LASTMA, and other traffic management agencies to clear the fallen trailer and restore normal traffic flow. Hamzat stated that professionals and recovery equipment were being deployed to remove the fallen trailer and ensure traffic resumed as soon as possible.

Motorists were encouraged to explore alternative routes to avoid delays, postpone non-essential trips, and exercise patience and caution to maintain safety during the period of congestion.