Makinde vows justice for victims of Ibadan stampede, says ‘no one is above the law’ - Ripples Nigeria
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Makinde vows justice for victims of Ibadan stampede, says ‘no one is above the law’

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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has made a resolute declaration: those responsible for the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children in Ibadan will face justice, regardless of their status or influence.

The incident, which occurred during a funfair at Islamic High School in the Bashorun area of Ibadan in December 2024, shocked the state and the nation. Amid calls for clemency, Makinde insisted that the rule of law would prevail in Oyo, setting a new standard for accountability in Nigeria.

Speaking on Monday at a press conference, the governor expressed his determination to see justice served, despite comparisons to similar tragedies in other states where perpetrators went unpunished.

“Quite a number of people have been reaching out to me, saying, ‘Oh, this incident happened in Anambra State. It also occurred in the FCT. Nobody went to jail. Why is it that in Oyo State, some people are going to jail?’” Makinde said.

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His response was unequivocal: “Oyo State is not Anambra State, and no matter how highly placed, justice must be done. Even if this entire country decides not to follow the rule of law, in Oyo State, we will dare to be different. We will uphold the rule of law.”

The tragedy, which turned a day of joy into a nightmare, has led to swift legal action. A magistrate court in Ibadan has remanded the event organisers after they were charged by police with four counts, including conspiracy, negligence causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.

Makinde emphasized that while granting bail to suspects is within the judiciary’s discretion, the trial must proceed without interference to ensure justice for the victims.

Reflecting on 2024, the governor described the year as challenging for Oyo State.

“2024 started for us here in Oyo State almost on a tragic note,” Makinde said, recalling a January explosion in Bodija that caused widespread destruction, including damage to his office. “And then, towards the end of the year, we had the stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun. Thirty-five innocent souls were lost; may we not see such again in Oyo State.”

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