Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster, has been hospitalised following the funfair stampede that claimed the lives of several children.
Daily Post reports that Hamzat, who runs Agidigbo FM, slumped and became unconscious after the incident.
About 35 children have been confirmed dead following the incident, which occurred at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan on Wednesday.
It was gathered that Hamzat’s radio station was used to promote the funfair.
A source close to the broadcaster told Daily Post that he has been rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
The source, who begged not to be named, maintained that Hamzat is still in the hospital as at the time of filing this report on Thursday.
“The chairman, Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, is currently unconscious in an undisclosed hospital.
“He could not handle the shock,” the source said.
Ooni’s Ex-Wife, Naomi Arrested
Meanwhile, Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has been arrested, the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed.
She was arrested following a tragic stampede at a children’s carnival she organised.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
In a statement, police spokesperson in the state, Adewale Osifeso, reported that: “eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements” in the event.”
“Among those detained are Silekunola, aged 31, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the 56-year-old principal of the school.”
“The other individuals arrested include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years.”
According to the statement, the stampede resulted in the tragic loss of 35 minors, with six additional children reported to be in critical condition and receiving various medical interventions.
“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while 6 others are critically injured,” the statement noted, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Meanwhile, the state police command has taken significant steps in the investigation, transferring the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, where the Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the inquiry.
Osifeso, however, assured the public, stating, “Justice will be served accordingly.”
In light of the incident, the police have increased their presence in the area to maintain peace and security, while residents have been advised not to panic, as police patrols will be heightened to prevent any potential unrest.
“Residents around the axis are advised not to panic as they would witness high level patrols and visible Police presence,” the statement emphasised.
“The Oyo Police Command then expressed its condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, stating, “The Oyo State Police Command sympathises with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.”
The command also provided contact numbers for emergencies, including a toll-free line at 615 and control room numbers: 08081768614, 09054133071, and 09061299291.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting discussions about the safety protocols at large gatherings, especially those involving children.
As investigations proceed, many residents are calling for accountability and improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
35 Dead Bodies Recovered, Six In Critical Condition – Police
The Oyo State Police Command have revealed the number of dead that have been recovered in the deadly Ibadan stampede.
The police said no fewer than 35 bodies of minors, who were killed in the Ibadan stampede have been recovered.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state, SP Osifeso Adewale, who confirmed this in a statement on Thursday, said about six minors who sustained severe injuries during the incident, are in critical condition.
“So far (35) thirty-five minors have been documented dead while (6) six others are critically injured and on various medical interventions,” he said.
Recall that a funfair organized by the former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Shikemi at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, had resulted in stampede, leading to the tragic incident.
The Oyo State Police Command said that eight persons involved in sponsoring the event had since been arrested.
The Police spokesman said those arrested include the main event sponsor, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, Fasasi Abdulahi, School Principal Islamic High School, Ibadan, Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.
