- Safiu Kehinde
Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed the death of many persons at a stampede which occurred at the Islamic High School Bashorun, Ibadan, the state’s capital city on Wednesday.
Makinde, in a post on the state government’s official X handle confirmed the incident which reportedly claimed multiple lives and injured several others.
He said government has taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue.
Expressing sadness over the unfortunate incident, the governor sympathized with the family of the deceased.
He disclosed that necessary measures have been taken to prevent further deaths with information ongoing over the cause of the stampede.
The statement read in part; “Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries.
“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.
“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue.
“We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.
“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.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen.”
NPO reported that the incident occurred at an end of the year programme said to have been organized by Agidigbo FM, run by popular broadcast, Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat with supports from a former queen of Ooni of Ife.
As seen in a now viral video online, one of the children was carried from the scene as the agitated crowd called for medical aid.
According to a post by an X user, the radio station had organized a Christmas funfair for only 500 children with the ex-wife of Ooni of Ife invited.
However, over 5,000 children reportedly turned up at the funfair resulting in the stampede.
As at the time of filing this report, more bodies were said to have been rushed to nearby hospitals.