Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has ordered a probe into the circumstances that led to the death of some children yesterday, at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.
The incident occurred during a children’s Christmas party organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife.
In a statement on his X page,Makinde confirmed the loss of multiple lives and revealed that several others sustained injuries.
He said: “This is a very sad day for us here in Oyo State. We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths. We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at that same venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the place.
“We also deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the venue. The event has been stopped, and attendees have been escorted out of the venue. We are taking all realistic measures to ensure that the venue is secured.”
He stated that the primary organisers of the event responsible for the stampede had been taken into custody.
The governor emphasised that anyone directly or indirectly connected to the disaster would be held accountable.
He appealed for calm as security agencies continue investigating the sad incident.
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen,” he added .
It would be recalled that on Tuesday, Agidigbo FM, a radio station in Ibadan announced that Queen Naomi, the founder of Women In Need Of Guidance and Support,(WINGS)would hold the Children Fun Fair.
Speaking during a special programme on the radio, she said she would host 5000 kids between the ages of 0-13 years across Ibadan for free under the aegis of WINGS Foundation.
She revealed that the event is strictly for children and they will win exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts.
She also assured parents and guardians of adequate security for all participants of the event.
As of now, The New Daily Prime could not confirm whether the ex-queen was among those in custody or if she was being interrogated at the time of filing this report.
