Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, claiming the lives of several minors.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident took place during a funfair organised by Naomi Shikemi, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, on Wednesday.
As confirmed by the Oyo State Police Command on Thursday, the initial death toll was reported to be 35, with six individuals in critical condition. However, subsequent reports on Friday indicated that the number of fatalities had risen to 40, and many others remain hospitalized.
In response to the incident, Saraki took to his official X microblogging platform on Friday to call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“This tragedy demands a thorough investigation by the authorities to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents from ever happening again,” he said.
“As a father, I can’t imagine the unbearable pain those parents are going through.”
The former lawmaker extended his “deepest condolences to the grieving families, the people of Ibadan, and the Oyo State Government.
“We pray for healing for the injured and strength for everyone impacted by this terrible loss.”
