The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has taken direct control of the investigation into the tragic stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which resulted in the death of 35 children and left six others injured.
The stampede occurred as a crowd surged to gain access to the venue of the event, reportedly organized by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster. The event, initially planned for 5,000 children, saw an overwhelming turnout of over 7,500, exacerbating the chaos.
In the aftermath of the incident, Prophetess Naomi was arrested but reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital in Eleyele for medical attention. Seun Aribikola, a prominent Ibadan journalist, confirmed the development in a social media post, stating that she is responding to treatment. Hamzat, Chairman of Agidigbo FM, was also taken to the hospital for medical care.
Hospital staff, under strict police supervision, confirmed their presence but declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The Oyo State Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson Adewale Osifeso, announced that eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragedy. However, the investigation has now been transferred to the IGP’s office in Abuja.
“The IGP is now fully in charge of the case,” a senior police source revealed, adding that all inquiries should be directed to the Force Headquarters.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, were unsuccessful, as he declined to comment on the matter.
In a related development, the premises of Agidigbo FM, one of the hosts of the ill-fated event, has been shut down.
The incident has sparked widespread grief and outrage, with many calling for accountability and improved safety measures at public events to prevent future tragedies.
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