Three people died after a stampede at a post-convocation party in Ikere-Ekiti involving students of the state-owned Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti.
Two students of BOUESTI and a staff of a Popular Hotel in Ikere Ekiti were among the victims, a police statement confirmed.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti Command, SP Sunday Abutu said the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue for autopsy.
“The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident that happened at Emirate Hotel, Ikere-Ekiti, today being 19th of April at about 0100hrs, 2026 that led to the death of a staff of the hotel and two students of Bamidele Olumiluwa University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti(BOUESTI).
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the students, after their convocation on 18th April, 2028, decided to move to the hotel for a party. During the party which lasted till the following day, two yet to be identified students had an argument and began to fight.
“Others around decided to run out of the hotel premises and there was a stampede that claimed the lives of the three persons.
“The CP, while sympathizing with the relatives and friends of the victims, calls for calm, as no stone will be left unturned concerning the unfortunate incident”.
The students were said to be in high spirits before the situation descended into chaos following a disagreement among some attendees.
The situation reportedly got out of control when individuals allegedly began wielding sharp objects, triggering panic among partygoers.
It was gathered that the fear of imminent danger led to a frantic rush for safety, resulting in a stampede within the premises.
In the ensuing confusion, several persons were said to have fallen and been trampled upon.
“Unfortunately, in the ensuing melee, three persons lost their lives,” a source said.
He added:“Two of the victims died as a result of the stampede, while another was reportedly attacked during the violence. One of those who died was a fresh graduate who had participated in the convocation ceremony earlier that day.”