The Oyo State Police Command has reportedly detained the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, in connection with the stampede that occurred at the school during a children’s carnival.
The tragic incident, which led to the loss of several children’s lives, took place during an event organized by Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Sources revealed that Fasasi was invited by the police on Wednesday around 4 PM and has been held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Iyaganku, Ibadan, since his arrival.
As of the time of filing this report, the principal remains in custody, with investigations ongoing.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes CCII as well in a statement signed by its President-General, Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, appealed to organisers of public events to always implement safety and security measures.
Ajewole, in the statement made available on Thursday through the Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Kola Olomide, said that putting the necessary safety and security measures in place will help to prevent further loss of lives in the ancient city.
Ajewole also used the opportunity to commiserate with the victims and their families.
“The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, was disturbed by the avoidable calamity that occurred yesterday. We commiserate with the victims and their families.
“We want to advise all organisers of events involving large crowds to put all necessary safety and security measures in place to avoid such calamities.
“People will flock to places offering free things due to the acute nature of poverty, illiteracy, and ignorance in the country.
“We cannot continue this way. Any event of this nature will attract many people, especially because of the high level of poverty and other social problems in the country.
“What happened was a result of widespread poverty and hunger in the land. Governments at all levels should put necessary measures in place to reduce poverty to the bare minimum in the country.
“We also urge governments at all levels to implement policies aimed at reducing poverty in the country. This will help reduce the influx of people to events of this nature.”