School principal arrested by Police over stampede that claimed 32 lives

School principal arrested by Police over stampede that claimed 32 lives

The principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, where a stampede occurred during a children’s funfair, Abdullahi Fasasi,has been taken into police custody by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command.

Reports indicate that Fasasi was summoned by the police on Wednesday and has been detained since then. His detention is linked to a tragic stampede that occurred at the school on the same day.

The incident, which unfolded during a children’s carnival organized by Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, led to the deaths of at least 32 children in Ibadan. The carnival took place at the Islamic High School, Bashorun.

According to sources who spoke to Daily Post, Fasasi was invited by the police around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday and willingly complied with the request, leading to his subsequent detention for questioning in connection with the deadly stampede.

The source said: “The principal of the school, Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, has been detained by the police.

“He was invited around 4:00 p.m. yesterday, and he honored the invitation.

“He has been detained since then. He has not been released.”

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde had earlier yesterday reassured residents that those directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable.

Makinde said this while mourning victims of the stampede.

He said: “We have taken steps to ensure no further deaths are recorded at this venue by deploying security agents to restore order at the venue. 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.

“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody.

“I want to reassure our people that anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster will be held accountable. Please remain calm as the security agencies investigate this unfortunate incident.”