Makinde Orders Arrest of Ibadan Carnival Organizers Over Stampede

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has confirmed the arrest of the organizers responsible for the children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, where a tragic stampede claimed multiple lives.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Governor Makinde expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and vowed that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the causes of the tragedy and hold those accountable to justice.

“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident that occurred earlier today at Islamic High School, Basorun, during a family-oriented carnival. This tragic event has left us heartbroken, and our prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones,” the Governor stated.

To address the situation immediately, Governor Makinde disclosed that the state government took proactive steps to mitigate the disaster's impact. “Security agents were promptly deployed to the scene to restore order, while medical personnel and ambulances were dispatched to provide assistance to the victims. The event was immediately shut down, and all attendees safely evacuated,” he added.

He confirmed that the primary organizers of the event had been taken into custody. “The organizers of this ill-fated event have been detained for questioning. We will ensure that a comprehensive investigation is conducted, and those found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Makinde assured.

The Governor emphasized the need for stringent measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He called on event organizers across the state to prioritize safety and ensure proper crowd control measures are in place before hosting public gatherings.

This development follows reports of a stampede during the carnival, which led to the loss of lives. The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, as authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Governor Makinde also appealed to the public for cooperation, urging them to refrain from spreading misinformation about the tragedy. “This is a time for unity and compassion, not for the dissemination of unverified claims. Let us all work together to support the victims and their families,” he concluded.

The incident has sparked widespread sorrow and calls for improved event management to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.