Following a stampede that occurred at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, which claimed not less than 35 lives, member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa Central North Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, has commiserated with the bereaved families and the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, over the tragedy.
Hon. Adepoju on Thursday expressed sorrow over a family gathering by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Silekunola, aimed at gifting children during this season of love and family that turned into a thing of sorrow.
“As a father, I put myself in the shoes of the parents who have lost their children in the unfortunate stampede. I have been in a state of melancholy since, at the time we are supposed to be celebrating, we are mourning.
“I know it is a very disturbing moment for the grieving parents and my beloved state at large, and I pray that God Almighty gives the deceased families the fortitude to bear the loss,” Ibarapakan said.
The lawmaker also stressed that the development is a pointer to the untold hardship in the country, urging the federal government of Nigeria to relax any of its policies that have made life very difficult for the citizens of Nigeria.
According to him, it is a very challenging time for the people of Nigeria, and learning that people travelled from different neighbouring towns in Ibadan for a carnival that was supposed to be for the children means Nigerians are now finding any means of survival regardless of where such opportunity exists.
The lawmaker commended the swift intervention of the state government by sending a rescuing team to the venue of the event; he also called on the relevant security agents to launch an investigation to reveal the real reason behind the stampede, urging event organisers to prioritise security in anything they do.
