Ibadan Funfair Stampede: lkubese sympathizes with bereaved families, Oyo govt

A former Presidential Aspirant and convener of the #YesWeFit revolutionary movement, Dr. Thomas-wilson Ikubese, has commiserated with the bereaved families, government of Oyo state and Mr Oriyomi Hamzat, over the tragic stampede at funfair event organised in Ibadan by former wife of the ooni of Ife, Naomi Ogunwusi.

Ikubese, in a statement made available to vanguard in Akure, the Ondo state capital, also appealed for understanding amongst social media commentators, not to make inflammatory comments that can jeopardize the process of investigation over incident and generate bad blood. while adding that Queen Naomi had good intentions.

The statement reads “l sympathize with the families that lost their children in the stampede at Islamic High School, Ibadan during the children fun fare organised by Queen Naomi Ogunwusi

“I commiserate with the government of Oyo state, Mr Oriyomi Hamzat whose radio station, Agidigbo FM was used to publicize the event and was in deed physically ruffled at the venue and Queen Naomi who was said to have been hospitalized following the chaotic atmosphere.

“Queen Naomi obviously has good intentions and has been organizing this event for children annually without casualties. That it turned out tragic this year is most disheartening.

“This incident is a wake up call for us all; the government, security agencies, private firms and individuals, as our people are becoming increasingly desperate in clinging on to any form of provision as a survival measure in the face of the current economic situation.

“While I support the ongoing investigation by the Oyo State Police Command into the matter, I appeal for understanding amongst our people, especially social media commentators, not to make inflammatory comments that can jeopardize the process and generate bad blood.

“The ongoing investigation by the Oyo State Police Command should also include recommendations to prevent this type of scenario in future, while the Inspector General of Police should present these recommendations to the National Assembly for inclusion in the Public Order Act.

Ikubese said that *It is my prayer that together we shall build a society where safety of lives and property of our citizens shall be guaranteed.