Police Launch Investigation Into Ibadan Funfair Stampede Following Tinubu’s Directive

Police Launch Investigation Into Ibadan Funfair Stampede Following Tinubu’s Directive

The Oyo State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan that occurred on Wednesday…READ MORE…

According to Naija News, the incident at the Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, has resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children, with six others seriously injured and currently receiving medical care.

The investigation was prompted by a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who called for a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the stampede.

Speaking on Channels Television’s program, The Morning Brief, on Friday, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, provided insights into the preliminary findings of the investigation.

Osifeso stated that initial evidence points to poor crowd management as a potential contributor to the tragedy. He explained that the entry system for the fair may have exacerbated the situation. Initially, attendees were required to pay a small fee for entry, but this was later reduced and, at one point, entry was granted for free. This sudden change might have led to agitation and confusion within the crowd.

“Investigations are ongoing, but early findings reveal that at some point, attendees were supposed to pay a token fee. However, the price was lowered, and later on, some were allowed free access, which likely caused some unrest,” Osifeso said.

He also noted that the number of attendees far exceeded the expected capacity of the venue, worsening the situation.

“When it comes to crowd control, anything could trigger a stampede—excitement, fear, or panic. Given the size of the crowd, which was much larger than originally anticipated, this may have contributed significantly to the chaos, as those entering the venue were responsible for the majority of the ensuing damage to those already inside,” Osifeso added.

In the wake of the tragedy, the police have arrested seven individuals believed to be involved in the stampede. Among those detained are Naomi Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan.

The police have not disclosed the specific roles of the suspects but have assured the public that the investigation will be conducted transparently and thoroughly.

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