OYO STATE STAMPEDE : Ohanaeze Ndigbo South West Coordinator, Chief Everest Ozonweke, Condole With Governor Oluwaseyi Makinde, Deceased Families 

By Emmanuel Edom 

In deep sympathy with the families of the 35 deceased Minors and solidarity with Oyo state government, the South – West Coordinator of the Igbo Apex Socio-Cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Wide, High Chief Everest Ozonweke, yesterday extended condolences to the State  Governor, Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde, Deceased Families and the entire good people of Oyo state,over the tragic stampede that happened at the private Children’s Carnival , Last Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

Chief Ozonweke, in an  empathetic and compassionate letter to the Governor and the mourning families, expressed deep pains , even as he on behalf of Ndigbo in South – West and World Wide, extended condolences and brotherhood to the people of Oyo state in general.

Though saddened over the tragic incident, Chief Ozonweke while appreciating the rapid response of the state government and other medical teams, however, reminded Nigerians on the need for effective crowd management and safety measures during events, especially occasions involving Children and the vulnerable members of the  society.

The letter reads:

H.E. Engr Oluwaseyi Makinde

Executive Governor of Oyo State.

Oyo State government house.

*Our deepest condolences*

Your Excellency.

On behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Oyo State Government and, most importantly, to the families affected by the tragic stampede at the private children’s funfair in Ibadan. We are deeply saddened by the loss of young lives and the injuries sustained by many in what was meant to be a joyous celebration.

This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the importance of effective crowd management and safety measures during events, particularly those involving children and vulnerable groups. The swift response from the Oyo State Government, including the deployment of rapid response teams and medical personnel, reflects a commendable commitment to addressing this crisis and supporting the victims and their families during this challenging time.

We stand in solidarity with the Oyo State Government as investigations into this incident continue. It is our hope that such tragedies can be prevented in the future, allowing families to gather in joyful celebration without fear.

To the families who have lost their beloved children, we share in your grief and sorrow. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We encourage everyone to come together in support of one another during this difficult period as we seek to honor the memories of those who have been lost.

Once again, we express our deepest sympathies for this tragic event and urge all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community, particularly our children, in future gatherings.

Sincerely,

Chief Everest Ozonweke  

Coordinator  

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Southwest  .

It would be recalled that the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, following a tragic stampede at a children’s carnival she organised.

 In a statement, police spokesperson in the state, Adewale Osifeso, said,  “Eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements in the event.Among those detained are Silekunola, aged 31, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the 56-year-old principal of the school.”The other individuals arrested include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years.”

According to the statement, the stampede resulted in the tragic loss of “35 minors, with six additional children in critical condition and receiving various medical interventions.

Meanwhile, the state police command has taken significant steps in the investigation, transferring the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, where the Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the inquiry.

Osifeso assured the public, stating, “Justice will be served accordingly.” So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while six others are critically injured.”

The police command has transferred the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, where a Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the inquiry.

Osifeso said the police have increased their presence in the area to maintain peace and security, while residents have been advised not to panic, as police patrols will be heightened to prevent any potential unrest.