Ibadan Funfair Stampede: Police Releases Names Of Those Detained

The Oyo State Police Command, has released the names of those detained in connection with the Ibadan Christmas Fanfare stampede with claimed 35 children’s lives.

This is even as President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the tragedy.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, in a statement, said those detained in connection with the Christmas Fanfar tragedy include Silekunola, aged 31, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the 56-year-old principal of the school; Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin,

The command, had on Thursday detained a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, who organised the fanfare, that eventually led to the death of 35 children with 6 others others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

READ ALSO: Oriyomi Hamzat Hospitalised After Ibadan Stampede That Claimed 35 Children Lives

The Eagle reports that a stampede had broken out in the course of a funfair at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan on Wednesday, organised by a non-governmental organisation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support, in collaboration with an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.

Whereas they envisaged 5, 0000 participants, they had on their hand, 7,500 turn out, a development that many attribute to the sheer economic difficulty in the country.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, in a statement,

“The stampede resulted in the tragic loss of 35 minors, with six additional children reported to be in critical condition and receiving various medical interventions.

“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while six others are critically injured”.

He added that the case had already been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge.

“In light of the incident, the police have increased their presence in the area to maintain peace and security, while residents have been advised not to panic, as police patrols will be heightened to prevent any potential unrest.

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“Residents around the area are advised not to panic as they would witness high-level patrols and visible police presence,” the statement said.

The Christmas Fanfare stampede is coming as a damper of hope and enthusiasm close to the festive period, which although is a period of merriment, is sometimes marred by negative incidents.