Ibadan Children Xmas Tragedy: Oyo Police Confirms 35 Minors Dead, 6 Critically Injured
The Oyo State Police on Thursday confirmed the arrest of eight suspects after the Wednesday stampede that occurred during the Xmas Children Funfair organised by the Wings Foundation and Media Partners Agidigbo FM at the Basorun Islamic High School in Ibadan.
The Nigerian Police, Oyo State Department released an official statement, signed by the PRO to the Commissioner of Police, SP Osifeso Adewale, inline with the tragic incident that occurred during a Christmas Funfair at the ancient city. The report stated that 35 minors have so far been documented dead with six others critically injured with various medical interventions.
“Sequel to the Stampede incident recorded on Wednesday 18/12/2024 at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan venue of the family event Organized by Wings Foundation and Media partners Agidigbo Fm, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the good people of the State that (8) Persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.”
According to the statement, it was also reported that the School Principal of Islamic High School, Mr Fasasi Abdullahi was also arrested along with other individuals like Mr Genesis Christopher, Mr Tanimowo Moruf, Mr Anisolaja Olabode, Mr Idowu Ibrahim and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
“These persons include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola ’f’ age 31yrs, Fasasi Abdulahi, ’m’ age 56yrs (School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan), Genesis Christopher, ’m’ age 24yrs, Tanimowo Moruf,’m’ age 52yrs, Anisolaja Olabode, ‘m’ age 42yrs, Idowu Ibrahim, ‘m’ age 35yrs and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, ’m’ age 25yrs.”
“So far (35) Thirty-Five Minors have been documented Dead while (6) Six others are critically injured and on various Medical Interventions.”
The case has also been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department at Iyanganku.
“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.