Henry Omunu, Omotayo Edubi & Paul Joseph
The organisers of the tragic Chrismas funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State in which 32 children lost their lives in a stampede have been arrested.
The funfair was organized by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, in collaboration with Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, owned by Oriyomi Hamza.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the arrest of the organisers of the ill-fated event in a statement while reacting to the incident.
Condoling with the families of the deceased children, the governor disclosed that an investigation into the incident has been launched, assuring that all those directly or remotely connected to the incident will be held accountable.
The statement reads: “Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School, Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries.
“This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.
“We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue.
“The event has been stopped and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.
“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Bayo Lawal, while visiting the Adeoyo State Hospital, off Ring Road in Ibadan, to sympathise with some of the victims, said it was disheartening that the event’s organisers failed to inform security agencies about the event knowing that many residents would be eager to attend.
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“We are not exonerating anybody connected to this incident, but the government is awaiting the report of the security agencies and we have given a time line to know the next line of action,” he said.
Also, the state police command in its reaction, stated that it has launched a probe into the death of the 32 children, to unravel the circumstances that led to their death.
Reacting to the incident, wife of the President, Remi Tinubu
Remi Tinubu condoled Gov. Makinde and the people of the state over the death of the children.
She said in a statement that “I sympathize with the family friends, and loved ones of the deceased. I also pray for speedy recovery and total healing for those who are still in the hospital.
“May the Lord grant peace to Oyo State, comfort to the families who have lost their loved ones and hope to those grieving at this time.
“My heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this devastating incident.”The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in lamenting the incident, has charged the state government to set up a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the children.
In a statement issued today and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the APC through the state Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, “called on the state government to set up a high-powered panel to investigate the tragic incident with a view to identifying those believed to be culpable in the unfortunate death of the innocent kids as well as establishing the facts surrounding the sordid planning and execution of the event by the organizers.
“We are in deep sorrow as a result of the tragic incident which claimed many lives in Ibadan. In any given circumstances, the loss of any innocent life attracts lamentations and regret.
“It became more saddening when it was realized that the ugly development could have been prevented if certain authorities had done the needful in the areas of surveillance, intelligence gathering and proactiveness.”
