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Ibadan stampede: Tinubu orders probe as death toll hits 40

Published

1 year ago

December 20, 2024

Ibadan stampede: Tinubu orders probe as death toll hits 40

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the stampede during a children funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This came as the Chief of staff to Oyo State Governor, Mr. Segun Ogunwuyi, said the dead toll had reached 40.

“More than 40 children have been confirmed dead while other are still in critical condition,” Ogunwuyi said in Ebonyi on Thursday, during Governor Seyi Makinde’s birthday celebration, organized by Ali/Onyeyinchi Odefe education foundation.

The incident which was an end of year party for children, happened on Wednesday at the main gate of Islamic High School, Bashirun in Ibadan.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the President ordered investigation into the incident.

Tinubu extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State and, most importantly, to the grieving families who have lost their children in the unfortunate event.

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“In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.

“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly. He emphasises that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.

“The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.

“Among the essential actions are a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues,” the statement read.

The President also called on event organisers to prioritise the safety of all attendees, especially children.

He noted the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the safety of all participants.

“Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives,” the President said.

Ibadan stampede: Tinubu orders probe as death toll hits 40

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IPOB Lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor Raises Alarm Over Death Threats to Self, Family

Published

18 minutes ago

December 31, 2025

Trends Admin

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor

IPOB Lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor Raises Alarm Over Death Threats to Self, Family

Legal counsel to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has raised alarm over alleged threats to his life and that of his family, describing the situation as a coordinated campaign of intimidation.

Ejiofor disclosed the development in a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), dated December 29, 2025, in which he said he was compelled to make the threats public to alert Nigerians and the international community.

According to the human rights lawyer, he has been receiving threatening phone calls and text messages, adding that the decision to go public became necessary due to the persistent and escalating nature of the threats, which now endanger the safety of his family.

Ejiofor noted that previous public alarms over similar threats had drawn widespread concern from individuals across different segments of society, but the situation has since worsened.

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“Recall that I raised a public alarm concerning manifest and credible threats to my life and the safety of my family. That alarm elicited calls, messages, and expressions of deep concern from well-meaning individuals across all strata of society,” he stated in the petition.

He added that despite those interventions, the threats have not abated.

“Regrettably, rather than abate, these threats have persisted and intensified, compelling me to place this factual and historical account before the world,” Ejiofor said.

The IPOB legal counsel also disclosed that he is currently at his ancestral home in Oraifite, Anambra State, with his family for the Christmas and New Year festivities, a situation he said further heightens concerns over their safety.

Ejiofor called on the Nigeria Police Force to urgently investigate the threats and take necessary measures to protect his life and that of his family.

IPOB Lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor Raises Alarm Over Death Threats to Self, Family

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Police, Army Disagree Over IED Materials Recovered From Suspect in Borno

Published

51 minutes ago

December 31, 2025

Trends Admin

Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, ASP Kenneth Daso

Police, Army Disagree Over IED Materials Recovered From Suspect in Borno

The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army have issued conflicting accounts over items allegedly recovered from a suspect arrested in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, raising public concern over the true nature of the incident.

Both security agencies confirmed the arrest of the suspect, identified as Abubakar, and said preliminary investigations were carried out. However, while the Nigerian Army described the suspect as a would-be suicide bomber in possession of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials, the Borno State Police Command dismissed the claim and cautioned against misinformation.

In a statement dated December 30, 2025, the spokesman of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, said troops had apprehended a suspected suicide bomber and intercepted primed IED components.

According to the statement, the arrest followed sustained joint security operations and intelligence-led efforts to secure Banki town by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, working alongside other security agencies.

Lt-Col. Uba said the suspect, identified as Abubakar Mustapha, was arrested at about 5:40 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, near the Banki Central Mosque, and was allegedly found in possession of materials indicating an imminent terrorist attack.

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“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect hails from Bama Local Government Area and was further discovered to be in possession of additional incriminating materials linked to terrorist activities,” the statement said, adding that the suspect was undergoing further interrogation to uncover possible terrorist links and sponsors.

However, hours later, the Borno State Police Command released a counter-statement through its spokesman, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, titled ‘Borno Police Command clarifies arrest of suspect over alleged IED materials in Banki LGA, cautions against misinformation’.

The police said it had observed the circulation of social media videos alleging the recovery of IED components and sought to clarify the situation.

According to the police, operatives on surveillance duty around a mosque in Banki LGA at about 6:10 p.m. on December 29, 2025, arrested Abubakar with a bag containing electrical wires, old mobile phone batteries, assorted gadget scrap materials, and pairs of shoes.

The Command stressed that preliminary findings showed no evidence of active IED fabrication or priming, contrary to claims circulating online.

The police added that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive investigation, while the suspect remains in custody.

The Command warned the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, urging residents to rely on official and credible sources for accurate updates, and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.

Police, Army Disagree Over IED Materials Recovered From Suspect in Borno

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Driver in Anthony Joshua Crash Faces Possible Reckless Driving Charges

Published

1 hour ago

December 31, 2025

Trends Admin

Driver in Anthony Joshua Crash Faces Possible Reckless Driving Charges

Emerging investigations into the fatal road crash involving former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua indicate that the driver of the vehicle may soon face criminal prosecution for reckless driving, according to a source familiar with the probe.

The highly placed source disclosed that findings by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) revealed that the vehicle was travelling at excessive speed and engaged in wrongful overtaking, both classified as serious violations of Nigeria’s traffic regulations. Such offences, the source noted, attract criminal liability when they result in loss of life.

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Investigators are said to be concluding documentation to be forwarded to the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division, which is currently working with prosecutors to determine the appropriate charges. Prosecution for dangerous or reckless driving causing death is reportedly under consideration.

The source further confirmed that Anthony Joshua sustained a leg fracture in the accident and is receiving medical care.

Although no official statement has yet been issued by authorities, the incident has reignited public discourse on road safety, speed violations, and driver accountability on Nigerian highways.

The tragic accident occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, claiming the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.