Ola Akinwunmi
The Oyo State Police Command has released six out of eight suspects arrested in connection with the devastating stampede that occurred at a children’s carnival in Ibadan last Wednesday. The tragedy, which took place at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, resulted in the loss of 35 young lives and left several others injured.
According to the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, the released suspects include Olowola Oluwatosin, Genesisi Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisoloja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimileyin. However, the School Principal, Fasasi Abdulahi, and another suspect remain in custody.
The police had initially arrested eight persons, including Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile Ife, in connection with the stampede. The release of the six suspects was confirmed by a source, who stated that the Principal and one other suspect were still being held.
The Ibadan stampede occurred on December 18, 2024, during a children’s carnival at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, resulting in the loss of 35 young lives and leaving several others injured. This tragic event has sparked widespread condolences and sympathy from various leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who expressed his heartfelt condolences to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the families of the victims.
On social media, the stampede has also brought out the worst in some people, with many taking to social media to celebrate the tragedy and engage in political blame-shifting.This has led to a wider conversation about the dangers of politicizing tragedy and the need for empathy and humanity in the face of suffering.
