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…Ooni’s ex-wife, school principal, 6 others arrested
By Oluseye Ojo
Thirty-five children have been documented dead and another six critically injured following the stampede that occurred at Islamic High School Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, in the early hours of Wednesday.
Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO)Adewale Osifeso, explained that six persons have been arrested in connection with incident.
He said that the command has arrested ex-wife of Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola; the principal of Islamic High School Bashorun, Fasasi Abdulahi, and six others in connection with the children’s funfair that led to the stampede.
He stated that, “ Sequel to the stampede incident recorded on Wednesday 18 December, 2024, 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 eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.
“These persons included : the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola ,31; Fasasi Abdulahi, 56, (School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan); Genesis Christopher, 24; Tanimowo Moruf,52; Anisolaja Olabode, 42; Idowu Ibrahim, 35; and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.
“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while six others are critically injured and on various medical interventions.”
He said the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department(SCID) Iyaganku, Ibadan, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department 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”.
“The command, however, sympathised with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assured “the good people of the state that justice will be served accordingly”.
The children’s funfair, as policised by the organisers, wanted to cater for 5,000 people. Available information stated that about 20,000 stormed the venue.
The programme was to be held on Wednesday morning. But more than 5,000 people, including children were already at the venue before 5am on Tuesday. Thousands of people reported stormed the venue on Tuesday evening and slept over at the venue.
