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Tag: Ibadan funfair stampede

  • Ibadan funfair stampede: Reps speaker, deputy call for probe

    Ibadan funfair stampede: Reps speaker, deputy call for probe

    …express sorrow over incident

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of 35 children following a stampede during a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State. 

    Expressing profound sadness over the incident, the Speaker described the loss of young lives as deeply unfortunate.

    The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that 35 children died in the stampede, with six others sustaining injuries of varying severity. 

    In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas extended his heartfelt sympathies to the government and people of Oyo State, particularly the bereaved families of the victims. 

    “This tragedy is a painful reminder of the need for stricter safety measures during public events. I urge all relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident and ensure accountability,” the Speaker stated. 

    He further called on organisers of public events to prioritise safety to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.

    The Speaker, while calling for a thorough investigation of the incident to forestall a recurrence, called for caution during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    Speaker Abbas prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

    Also, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as the families of the victims, following the tragic stampede during a children’s carnival in Ibadan that reportedly claimed the lives of over 30 children.

    Kalu said he is deeply saddened by the devastating news and acknowledges that the unimaginable tragedy has left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective conscience.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu mourns victims of Ibadan stampede

    He shared his thoughts and prayers with those impacted by the tragedy and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safety, well-being, and the protection of human life.

    The Deputy Speaker urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future.

    “We are profoundly disturbed by this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been impacted by this devastating event.

    “As we mourn the loss of these young lives, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safety, well-being, and the protection of human life. I urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future.

    “I offer my deepest condolences to the government, the people, and the families of the victims. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may we all find strength in our collective grief”, Kalu said.

  • Ibadan funfair stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife, school principal

    Ibadan funfair stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife, school principal

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has encouraged his ex-wife, Naomi Ogunseyi, and radio owner, Oriyomi Hamzat, not to be discouraged following the tragic stampede at a Yuletide ceremony for children in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed 32 lives.  

    The monarch also pledged support for the families of the victims and called for immediate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.  

    His comments followed the arrest of his ex-wife by the police and were made in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare. 

    In his statement, the Ooni expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the government of Oyo State, the organisers—Agidigbo Radio, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, and former queen at the Ooni’s Palace, Ms Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi, as well as the bereaved families of the young souls lost in the tragic incident in Ibadan yesterday.”  

    He also expressed solidarity with the Oyo State government and commended the governor for his swift response.  

    “This tragedy underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our children across Nigeria. The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss,” he added.  

    The Ooni called for immediate action to improve safety measures, stressing the importance of adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions. He advised Naomi Ogunseyi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and other co-organisers not to be discouraged by the unfortunate outcome of the event, which was originally intended to bring joy to children during the festive season.  

    He concluded, “Rather than being discouraged, they should remain committed to organising such laudable programmes for children, but with better planning and strategies in the future. The lesson must be learned.”

  • Oyo Advisory Council mourns victims of Ibadan funfair stampede

    Oyo Advisory Council mourns victims of Ibadan funfair stampede

    The Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in a stampede during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

    In a statement issued on behalf of the State Advisory Council, Ayorinde extended heartfelt condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the bereaved families, and friends of the victims. 

    He acknowledged the devastating impact of the incident on the affected families and communities.

    The council also commended the Oyo State Government for its swift and proactive response to the tragedy, emphasising the need for continued support for the grieving families.

    “The government swiftly deployed security agents to restore order at the venue, provided medical and ambulance services to attend to the injured, and took steps to prevent further loss of lives.”

    “The Council thanked the governor’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Oyo State. The government’s prompt response to the incident has been praised for preventing further casualties and reducing the impact of the tragedy.

    “The Council wished a quick recovery to those who sustained injuries in the incident and prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace. The incident has been described as a sad day for Oyo State, and the Council shared the grief of the bereaved families.

    Read Also: Ibadan funfair stampede: police confirm 35 dead, six injured

    “As investigations into the incident continue, the Council urged all parties involved to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that justice is served. The Council also called for calm and restraint, as the people of Oyo State come to terms with this tragic incident.

    The Council reaffirmed its commitment to standing by the government and people of Oyo State during this challenging period. 

    It offered prayers for peace, comfort, and strength for the bereaved families and the entire state.

  • Ibadan funfair stampede: police confirm 35 dead, six injured

    Ibadan funfair stampede: police confirm 35 dead, six injured

    The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of 35 minors following a stampede at a funfair held at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, on December 18, 2024.

     The command also said that six others remain critically injured and are receiving medical care.

    Among those arrested in connection with the incident are Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, and six other individuals. 

    The event, organized by Wings Foundation in partnership with Agidigbo FM, was intended as a family gathering.

    Read Also: Police reportedly detain school principal over Ibadan children funfair stampede

    In a statement, Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso said: “Following the tragic stampede on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested eight individuals for their roles in the incident.

    “In furtherance of the above, 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.

    “So also, residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high level patrols and visible Police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.

    “Finally, the Oyo State Police Command sympathizes with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assures the good people of the State that Justice will be served accordingly.”