Ekiti varsity mourns graduates, student at hotel party stampede

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The management of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, has mourned the death of three persons in a stampede that occurred at a post-convocation party at a hotel in Ikere Ekiti.

The management, in a public address by the Registrar, Mrs Funmilola Adeusi, made available on Monday, expressed regret over the death of two graduates and a student in the unfortunate incident which occurred during a night party at a hotel in town.

Recall that BOUESTI held its second convocation ceremony on its campus on Saturday, following which some of the graduates and students organised a night party at the Emirate Hotel, where the stampede and the consequent loss of three lives happened.

Adeusi, in the statement, remarked, “Regrettably, we confirm that two of our graduands and one other student lost their lives in this tragic occurrence. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this profoundly difficult time.

“The University community mourns this painful loss and sympathises with the family and friends of all those affected,” she pointed out.

The registrar, who clarified that the convocation proceedings were conducted peacefully, successfully and without any disruption, declared, “The university remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, order and integrity in all its activities”.

BOUESTI, in response to reports described as unfounded, affirmed, “We wish to categorically state that no stampede or violent incident occurred at the convocation venue or within the university premises during or after the ceremony.”

Adeusi noted that the unfortunate incident “took place at a private off-campus location, specifically at the Emirate Hotel, where some graduands independently organized a night party to celebrate their graduation. It was at the venue of the party that a fight reportedly broke out, leading to a stampede.”

The Ekiti State Police Command had on Sunday night declared that preliminary investigation showed that the incident occurred at about 1am at the Emirate Hotel on Sunday, during a stampede that followed a fight.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, had ordered an investigation into the incident.