Police arrests Ooni’s ex-wife, six others over death of 35 children in Oyo carnival stampede

Police operatives in Oyo State have arrested Naomi Silekunola, a former wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, and six others over the death of children in Wednesday’s carnival in the state.

At least 35 children were confirmed dead in a stampede during a funfair held at Islamic High School in Orita Bashorun, Ibadan.

The spokesman for the state police command, Adewale Osifeso, who confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday in Ibadan, said the principal of the school was among those arrested over the incident.

He said: “Following the tragic stampede on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested eight individuals for their roles in the incident.

READ ALSO: Over 30 children feared dead in Oyo carnival stampede

“In furtherance of the above, the case has since been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge leading the investigations.

“So also, residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high-level patrols and visible Police presence to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation.

“Finally, the Oyo State Police Command sympathizes with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assures the good people of the State that Justice will be served accordingly.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now