The Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Oyo State Command has detained the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi.
According to Daily Post, Fasasi was invited by the police on Wednesday and has been detained since then.
It was said that the principal’s detention is in connection with the stampede that occurred at the school on Wednesday.
Gmartnews reports that many children lost their lives and others sustained injuries as a result of the stampede that occurred in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The incident took place during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan and organized by Women In Need Of Guidance and Support Foundation owned Naomi Silekunola, an estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The group was preparing to host up to 5,000 young people at this year’s event when the incident ocurred.
The festival organisers had promised participants would “win exciting prizes like scholarships and other bountiful gifts”.
It was learnt that the principal of the school was invited and subsequently detained in connection with the incident.
According to reliable source, Fasasi is being held at the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, in the Iyaganku area.
As of the time of filing this report, the principal has not been released.
Earlier, the state governor, Seyi Makinde while reacting to the development said primary organisers of the event that led to the stampede have been taken into custody as investigations continue.
“This is a very sad day,” Makinde said. “We sympathise with the parents whose joy has suddenly been turned to mourning due to these deaths.”
“While investigations are ongoing, the primary organisers of the event that led to this stampede have been taken into custody,” he said.
He promised that “anyone directly or remotely involved in this disaster” would be held accountable.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and the Olubadan-In-Council have condemned the tragic and untimely death of children, as well as injuries sustained during a stampede at a children’s carnival held at Islamic High School, Basorun, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Olugbemiga Ayoade, in Ibadan, the state capital, the Olubadan commiserated with the families of the deceased.
Oba Olakulehin, along with the Olubadan-In-Council, wished the injured a speedy recovery and urged the State Government to investigate the incident, prevent future occurrences, and hold the culprits accountable.
“The Olubadan and the Olubadan-In-Council are deeply saddened by the loss of innocent children during the funfair stampede yesterday (Wednesday) at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.
“Kabiyesi and the Advisory Council commiserate with the parents and families of the departed souls, praying that the souls of the deceased rest in peace and that God grants the families the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“We implore the State Government to conduct a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident, bring those responsible to justice, and establish protocols for organising and managing such events, especially when they involve the younger generation.”
The paramount ruler also called on parents and guardians to prioritise the safety of their children and wards at all times.
