The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of former Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife, Naomi Silekunola, along with Fasasi Abdulahi, the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, and six others, in connection to the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of several children during a funfair in the state capital on Wednesday.
Naomi Silekunola, who has been identified as the primary sponsor of the event, is currently under investigation following the incident.
According to the police, the death toll from the stampede has now risen to 35, with an additional six children reported to be in critical condition. A statement released on Thursday by Oyo State’s Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the fatalities and the ongoing medical treatment of the injured children.
The funfair, held at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, was originally planned for an audience of 5,000 children. However, more than 7,500 children reportedly attended, overwhelming the venue and contributing to the fatal stampede, according to initial investigations. Authorities are now focusing on understanding the circumstances that led to the overcrowding and the tragic outcome.
