The Oyo State Police Command has detained former queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, and six others in connection with the stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children at a funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday.

The tragic event, organised by Silekunola’s non-governmental organisation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support, took place at the Islamic High School, Basorun.

Reports indicate that the organisers had planned for 5,000 children, but over 7,500 attendees showed up, causing chaos as the crowd surged.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the arrests of Silekunola, the school principal Fasasi Abdulahi, and five others.

Six injured children remain in critical condition and are receiving medical care.

Osifeso stated, “The stampede resulted in the tragic loss of 35 minors, while six others are critically injured. The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.”

Eyewitnesses recounted how children were trampled as the crowd pushed to gain access to the venue. One source revealed that the funfair, co-organised by Silekunola and an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, turned chaotic when security measures were overwhelmed by the unexpectedly large turnout.

The incident has drawn widespread mourning, with President Bola Tinubu, the Ooni of Ife, and other dignitaries expressing their condolences to the families of the victims.

In response, the police have heightened security in the area to maintain order and prevent unrest. “Residents are advised to remain calm as increased patrols will be conducted to ensure safety,” Osifeso added.

Meanwhile, hospitals in Ibadan have begun releasing the bodies of the deceased to their families as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.