Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has urged relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the stampede in Ibadan that claimed the lives of over 30 minors.
Naijaonpoint recalls that the unfortunate incident occured on Wednesday at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during a funfair organized by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Shikemi.
On Thursday, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed that 35 persons were dead, while six others were in critical condition.
However, reports emerged on Friday indicating that the death toll has risen to 40, while many others are still hospitalized.
Reacting in a statement on his X handle on Thursday, Saraki called for a thorough probe.
“This tragedy demands a thorough investigation by the authorities to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents from ever happening again.
“As a father, I can’t imagine the unbearable pain those parents are going through,” he said.
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,” he added.
Saraki, Gov Muftwang, N’Central Stakeholders Demand PDP Chairmanship Slot
Meanwhile, former Senate Presidents, David Mark and Bukola Saraki, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders from the North Central have demanded that the party’s National Chairmanship be returned to their zone to complete its tenure.
Naijaonpoint reports that the PDP chieftains made this appeal in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by prominent PDP figures, including Governor Caleb Muftwang, former Senate Presidents David Mark and Bukola Saraki, former governors Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Idris Wada (Kogi), as well as the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), among others.
Recall that the PDP has faced internal divisions exacerbated before and after the 2023 general elections.
The party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has been criticised for failing to address the lingering crises, further weakening the PDP’s influence.
Damagum assumed the position after the court ousted former Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, for failing to enact necessary reforms.
However, during its meeting, the PDP North Central leaders insisted that the chairmanship seat should be restored to its zone to serve out its tenure.
The PDP leaders also stressed unity and peace as vital for the party’s future and urged stakeholders to build consensus.
The communiqué stated, “The stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party reviewed the state of the party with particular reference to the vacant position of National Chairman of the party following the exit of Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
“The PDP constitution clearly states that for succession of offices in the party at all levels, any vacant position can be replaced by appointment from the zone as per Section 47 (6) of the party’s constitution.
“The leadership of the party needs to rise to the occasion to restore goodwill and cohesion by making necessary sacrifices and compromises. It is in light of this that the stakeholders of the North Central Zone appeal to the conscience and goodwill of our compatriots in other zones to restore the Chairmanship seat to the North Central Zone to serve out its tenure.
“North Central is united and will strive to preserve the PDP as a veritable platform for good governance in Nigeria.”