Tinubu demands probe of Ibadan tragedy

• Police arrest queen Naomi, school principal, others • 35 persons confirmed dead
• Ooni, Ayorinde, others urge action against recurrence, sympathise with Makinde, bereaved families

President Bola Tinubu has directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances which led to the tragic incident at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan on Wednesday, December 18, during a Christmas funfair, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and many injured.

The President said that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to the painful development, and ensure a transparent and accountable process.

Expressing his profound sadness over the tragic incident, he extended his condolences to the Government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.

The President said he stands in solidarity with the affected families and offered prayers that God will grant peace to the souls of those who have died. He urged the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.

Among the essential actions are a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues.

The President further called on event organisers to prioritise the safety of all attendees, especially children, just as he stressed the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the utmost safety of all participants.

“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” President Tinubu asserted.

Meanwhile, the Police in Oyo State yesterday disclosed that eight persons have been arrested in connection with the tragic incident.
Those arrested included the primary sponsor of the event, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, 31, the Principal of Islamic High School, Fasasi Abdulahi, Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, who is a staff of Agidigbo FM, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.

The event, organised by the Wings Foundation and its media partner, Agidigbo FM, was intended to be a funfair for children, but turned out to be a nightmare as chaos erupted.

According to the police, these individuals face various charges related to their roles in the incident. The stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 minors, with six others left critically injured.

The injured children are currently receiving medical treatment at various facilities.The police assured the public that the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness, as the investigation has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Iyaganku.

“Sequel to the Stampede incident recorded on Wednesday, December 18, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event Organised by Wings Foundation and Media partners Agidigbo Fm, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the State that persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.

“These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola ’f’, 31; Fasasi Abdulahi, ’m’, 56, (School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan); Genesis Christopher, ’m’, 24; Tanimowo Moruf,’m’, 52; Anisolaja Olabode, ‘m’ age 42; Idowu Ibrahim, ‘m’, 35 and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, ’m’, 25.

“So far, 35 have been documented dead while six others are critically injured and on various medical interventions”, the PPRO said.

The Police stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Police is personally overseeing the investigation. The Oyo State Police Command, however, extended its condolences to families affected by the tragedy.

“We sympathise with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assure the good people of the state that justice will be served accordingly,” he said.

The Oyo State Police Command urged the public to stay calm and to reach out to emergency services in the event of any further incidents.

“The investigation continues, and the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims of this devastating event.

“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.

“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 sympathises 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”, the PPRO said.

At the same time, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, yesterday called for strong action to prevent future recurrence.

He also commiserated with the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, families of the deceased, organiser of the event and its media partner, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan.

In a statement signed by his director, media and public affairs, Oba Ogunwusi said the sad development “underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children across Nigeria.”

According to the statement, the House of Oduduwa extends its heartfelt sympathy to the government of Oyo state, the organiser, partners and affected families.

“The House of Oduduwa calls for immediate actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, emphasising the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions.

“We share in the grief and pains that have engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this trying time. We also express our solidarity with the government of Oyo State as they navigate this difficult moment, especially Mr Governor’s commendable responsiveness.

“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children across Nigeria,” the statement added.

Oba Ogunwusi recalled that “while at the Ile Oodua here as a queen, Naomi Silekuola Ogunseyi demonstrated love and cares to the children of Ile-Ife through similar events which she executed passionately to give succour to indigents every December periods like this.

“The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss.”

Also, chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), has expressed deep sadness over the loss of precious lives in the stampede.

On behalf of the State Advisory Council, Chief Ayorinde conveyed his heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and through him to the bereaved families, relatives, and friends of those who perished in the incident.

The Council also extended its condolences to the Government and people of Oyo State, who have been affected by this tragic incident.

The Council acknowledged the devastating impact of the stampede on the families and loved ones of the victims.

He commended the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, for its proactive response to the incident.

Similarly, the Oyo State chapter of African Action Congress (AAC) has expressed deep sadness over the disaster.

The party lamented that the root cause of the disaster was bad governance, which has over the years subjected Nigerians to abject poverty.

Chairman of the party, Kayode Babayomi also condemned the event’s organisers, partners, government institutions, and sponsors for their negligence regarding the welfare and safety of the attendees.

He chided the organisers for having failed to implement adequate security measures to manage such a large crowd.

“We emphasise that the Seyi Makinde-led government must take full responsibility for this incident instead of offering vague responses. The government must ensure the safety of its citizens,” he added.

In the similar vein, erstwhile Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Teslim Folarin, expressed shock over the disaster.

He said: “The unfortunate incident has caused widespread shock, grief, and concern. I commend the Oyo State government for working closely with the relevant authorities in investigating the cause of the incident and for providing support to those affected.”