A Chief Magistrate Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of three individuals in connection with the tragic stampede at Bashorun Islamic High School, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children.
The individuals remanded are:
- Naomi Silekunola, 31, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
- Abdullahi Fasasi, 56, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun.
- Oriyomi Hamzat, 52, owner of Agidigbo FM, an Ibadan-based radio station.
The stampede occurred during a children’s funfair organized by Silekunola and promoted by Hamzat’s radio station. The event, intended to provide gifts and scholarships to 5,000 children, was held at the Islamic High School premises. However, the overwhelming turnout led to a chaotic situation, resulting in the tragic loss of young lives.
Following the incident, the Oyo State Police Command arrested the organizers and the school principal. The court has now ordered their remand pending further investigation and legal proceedings.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and pledged support for those affected by the tragedy. He also urged the organizers to remain committed to community service, emphasizing the need for improved planning and safety measures in future events.
This incident has prompted discussions about the importance of adequate safety protocols and crowd control measures during large gatherings, especially those involving children. Authorities have assured the public of a thorough investigation to prevent such occurrences in the future.
For more detailed information, please refer to the original report by Vanguard News.
