Three people lost their lives after a stampede which occurred in a convocation party held in Ikere -Ekiti , involving students of the state owned Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).

Confirming the incident ,the Ekiti State Police Command said two students of BOUESTI and a staff member of a Popular Hotel in Ikere Ekiti were among the victims .

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the 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”.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that students were in high spirits before the situation descended into chaos ,following a disagreement among some attendees.

The situation reportedly spiraled out of control when individuals allegedly began wielding sharp objects, triggering panic among partygoers.

According to sources, the fear of imminent danger led to a frantic rush for safety, resulting in a stampede within the premises.

In the confusion that followed, several persons were said to have fallen and been trampled upon.

“Unfortunately, in the ensuing melee, three persons lost their lives,” a source disclosed.

“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.”

The tragedy has been further compounded by reports that two of the deceased were siblings, throwing their family and the wider community into deep mourning. (Independent)