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Ekiti Varsity Mourns After Three Die in Post-Convocation Stampede

From The Punch · (just now) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Three people, including two graduates and one student, died in a stampede at a post-convocation party at a hotel in Ikere-Ekiti.
  • The incident occurred at a private off-campus location after a fight broke out during a night party organized by some graduands.
  • The university management expressed regret over the deaths and clarified that the convocation ceremony itself was peaceful and without incident.

The Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI) is mourning the tragic loss of three lives following a stampede at a private post-convocation party. The university management, through its Registrar Mrs. Funmilola Adeusi, confirmed the deaths of two graduands and one student, expressing deep condolences to the families affected. This unfortunate event casts a somber shadow over what should have been a joyous celebration of academic achievement.

Regrettably, we confirm that two of our graduands and one student lost their lives in this tragic occurrence.

— Mrs. Funmilola AdeusiRegistrar of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, confirming the deaths following the stampede.

It is crucial to clarify that the stampede did not occur on university grounds or during the official convocation ceremony, which BOUESTI states was conducted peacefully. Instead, the incident took place at the Emirate Hotel in Ikere-Ekiti, where some graduands independently organized a celebratory night party. Reports indicate that a fight erupted at this private gathering, leading to a chaotic stampede and the tragic loss of life. The university is keen to distance itself from the incident while still acknowledging the profound grief shared by the community.

Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this profoundly difficult time.

— Mrs. Funmilola AdeusiRegistrar of BOUESTI, expressing sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy.

From the perspective of The Punch, which reports this story, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from uncontrolled celebrations, even off-campus. While the university emphasizes its commitment to safety and order in its own activities, the events at the hotel highlight the unpredictable nature of social gatherings. The police have launched an investigation into the matter, seeking to understand the full circumstances that led to this devastating outcome. The focus remains on supporting the bereaved families and ensuring accountability.

The university community mourns this painful loss and sympathises with the family and friends of all those affected.

— Mrs. Funmilola AdeusiRegistrar of BOUESTI, conveying the university's collective grief.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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