By Adeyinka Adeniran
Barely 24 hours after the planned Children Funfair turned tragic in Ibadan on Wednesday, the Oyo State Police Command have said no fewer than eight persons have been arrested in connection to the incident.
It said at least 35 children have been confirmed dead while six others are critically injured and on various medical interventions.
The list of those in Police custody included, the organiser of the event, an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdulahi, Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
Confirming the development, the Command’s Spokesman, Adewale Osifeso said 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.
The statement reads in part, “Sequel to the Stampede incident recorded on Wednesday 18/12/2024 at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, 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 eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements.
“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 Thirty-five (35) minors have been documented Dead while six (6) others are critically injured and on various medical interventions.
“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.”
